Totally agree with you there—signs are basically the wallpaper of the highway after a while. I swear, my brain just tunes 'em out completely on long trips. Physical barriers make way more sense. Last summer, driving up near Tahoe, those reflectors saved me from becoming best friends with a deer at 2 AM...talk about an adrenaline rush. Glad you dodged that bullet too; nothing ruins a road trip faster than unexpected wildlife meet-and-greets.
Haha, glad you avoided the deer—those late-night wildlife encounters are no joke. Reflectors definitely help, but have you ever noticed how some stretches of highway barely have any at all? Like, who decides where they put those things anyway...is it based on deer population or just random budgeting? Last year, driving through Oregon, I swear there was a reflector every five feet. Felt like landing a plane more than driving a minivan. Anyone else notice weird inconsistencies like that?
Haha, I know exactly what you mean about Oregon—felt like I was in a runway simulator or something. But then you cross into California and it's like the reflectors just vanish...budget cuts or did someone just forget to order more? And honestly, do those deer-crossing signs actually help anyone? Like, are the deer reading them too or...? I've always wondered how they pick those spots.
"And honestly, do those deer-crossing signs actually help anyone? Like, are the deer reading them too or...? I've always wondered how they pick those spots."
Haha, I used to wonder the same thing until I looked it up once. Turns out they actually track deer collision data and put signs in areas with higher incidents. So, while the deer might not be reading them (though who knows, maybe they're smarter than we think...), at least drivers get a heads-up to stay alert.
Totally agree about the reflectors though—it's like night and day crossing from Oregon into California. Reflectors might seem minor, but they make a huge difference in visibility, especially on winding roads or in bad weather. I always feel safer driving when the road markings are clear and reflective. Maybe California could take a few notes from Oregon's playbook on this one...or at least order some extra reflectors next time they're shopping around for road supplies.
I get the logic behind deer signs, but honestly, do they even make drivers more cautious? Most people just breeze past them without a second glance... Reflectors definitely help, though. Anything that boosts visibility at night is a win in my book.
