To the Editor,

I read your latest article on cars versus the local fauna (DEM reported 91 Warwick deer crashes last year)  and I have just a few points to address.

Automobiles and animals will always be in competition for the right of way. It is a sad reality that so many innocent critters are killed on American roads every year. Most are unavoidable, others avoidable, but it happens nonetheless.

Regarding the local deer population, accidents are often avoidable with the right equipment. Enter deer whistles. They are available at auto and hardware stores and online.

They work above 30 mph. A frequency is emitted near that of a dog whistle and it cannot be heard by human ears. There are two different pitches that work together to get their attention.

Here's an anecdotal story. Some years ago I was driving across Jamestown on 138 on a Sunday morning about 8 a.m. toward Newport when I noticed three deer grazing on the right shoulder. When I drove up towards them, they looked up... and froze! I have never seen that behavior before.

They heard my deer whistles mounted on the front bumper of my car and, thankfully, the four of us continued doing what we were doing without incident.

In my estimation, they do work. Odd that AAA  (which referenced the DEM report on deer crashes) didn't mention that alternative. As they used to say, "it's cheap insurance."

Jim Morgan

Warwick