Hazard Ahead Warning Light How It Works

Can this simple device save hundreds of lives
and millions of dollars?

Each year more than 200 people die in Deer related automobile accidents. Deer collide with vehicles 1.5 million times every year - causing more than $1 billion in damage.

In Minnesota alone there are more than 35,000 deer-vehicle accidents each year.

Article Links

Deer Putting You at Risk

Deer accidents are often not covered

Safety Issues

Insurance Canada

HAWL was created to warn oncoming drivers of potential hazard ahead. Creators, Gary Thomas Edwards and Art Nemirow of HAWL, Hazard Ahead Warning Light, felt car mounted whistles, and the new laser fences are designed to scare the deer. Both are quick to point out scaring the deer does not necessarily mean the deer will run away into the forest, rather the animal might be scared instead out onto the road directly into the driver's path. Further most drivers have become so accustomed to warning signs they are numb to their effect.

So what makes HAWL different and how does HAWL work?

HAWL works to warn approaching drivers not only about deer but, moose, elk, livestock, accidents, rock slides, pot holes, debris, flooding and any potential hazard that lay ahead.

When a driver needs to warn approaching drivers of imminent danger or a hazard in or near the road, they simply squeeze the button. The LED Amber Triangle will start flashing, warning oncoming drivers to slow down and use caution. After 60 seconds the HAWL will automatically shut itself off. This time frame, 60 seconds, tells oncoming drivers who see HAWL's flashing triangle, that they need to be aware of a potential hazard laying in their path from that point, up to approximately one mile ahead, depending on posted speed limits.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that there are more than 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions each year, resulting in 150 occupant deaths, tens of thousands of injuries, and over $1 billion in vehicle damage. The average cost per insurance claim for collision damage is about $2,600, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of damage. When auto claims involving bodily injury are factored in, the average rises to over $11,000.