Electric Whistle Chases Deer

Electric Whistle Chases Deer MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Pest Animals 28-4-33 Deer collide with cars 1.5 million times each year, causing $1 billion in insurance claims, 7,000 injuries and around 100 human fatalities every year. John Effingham thinks his new Hornet Deer Whistles can put a big dent in those numbers. "There are already between 60,000 and 70,000 of them on the road," says Effingham. "So far, we have only had one customer tell us they hit a deer, and it was coming down a steep embankment trying to stop. It just bumped the car and didn't cause any damage." Unlike deer whistles introduced in the past that relied on wind speed to make their warning whistle, the Hornet is wired to the vehicle's electrical system. The sonic generator produces a high-powered directional sound wave no matter what speed the car is traveling. While Effingham hasn't had any complaints, he warns that even the Hornet isn't foolproof. He suggests that it should reduce the risk of a deer/vehicle accident by more than 70 percent. "With the average deer claim running $2,000 and a Hornet selling for as little as $59.95, we think a 70 percent risk reduction is pretty good," he says. Prior to being introduced, the Hornet was tested on police and emergency vehicles. The test vehicles drove more than 6 million accident-free miles before the Hornet was brought to market. The Hornet produces two tones that are compressed and reflected off the road, creating what is described as an echo effect that travels farther than it otherwise would. Deer approaching the road from an angle hear the strange sound and stop to listen and look for its source. Deer in the road hearing the strange sound tend to head for concealment, explains Effingham. Pets can hear it but not while riding in the car. He reports the Hornet has been especially popular among motorcyclists, as a deer collision is much more likely to cause injuries or fatalities. Effingham offers motorcycle clubs and similar organizations fleet discounts, which are also available to small businesses and farmers. In some cases, clubs have sold the Hornet as a fundraiser. The basic black unit sells for $59.95. A new chrome version that's popular with motorcyclists sells for $69.95. Both have an effective range of 700 ft. with a potential range of 1,600 ft. A larger version designed for over the road truckers sells for $229.95 and has an effective range of 1,000 ft. and a potential range of approximately 2,000 ft. The Hornet installs in 15 minutes or less with normal hand tools. To be effective, it must be mounted outside the vehicle with a clear unobstructed view of the road surface ahead. The Hornet includes an on/off switch, as it is audible to humans as a high pitched sound when stopped or in a closed area. It is recommended that it be turned off in residential areas. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Hornet Northwest, P.O. Box 538, Christmas Valley, Ore. 97641 (ph 541 576-2950 or toll free 866 576-2950; website: www.hornetnorthwest.com).

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