A deer whistle is a small gadget attached to a car, usually near the grill, that helps keep deer off the road. It makes a sound that deer hear, which is supposed to scare them away and prevent accidents.
How do deer horns work?
Deer whistles work by using the airflow from a moving car to create sound. They’re attached to the car’s front, where the wind hits them. Some brands make whistles with different sounds for male and female deer.
Do deer whistles work?
There’s no solid evidence that deer whistles help prevent deer-vehicle accidents. A 2003 study found that these devices might not be loud enough for deer to hear from a safe distance, and some whistles emit sounds at a frequency deer may not hear well. A 2018 review from Iowa State University found no conclusive proof that they work.
Should you get a deer whistle for your car?
Many drivers use deer whistles as a precaution. They’re affordable, and the potential cost of hitting a deer can be much higher.
If you’re worried about hitting deer or live where deer collisions are common, think about adding full coverage to your car insurance. It can help with damage from unexpected wildlife encounters.
