Oh deer, where are the signs?
It has recently been brought to my attention there is a lack of deer warning signs along Highway 20 near Clearlake Oaks. I am one of the concerned residents of Lake County who travels this corridor frequently. I am not only concerned for my own safety, but for the safety of motorists who are unaware of the increased danger in this particular area where deer cross the busy highway to reach water.
I launched my own informal investigation regarding the claims of no deer crossing signs near Clearlake Oaks. Surely there had to be at least one.
Starting out from the Oaks driving westbound on Highway 20 toward Nice/Lucerne (this stretch running along side the lake is already dangerous because of the lack of guardrails, resulting in more cars going into the lake than any other road in the county; increased danger when the highway separates wildlife in the area from their only water source much of the year).
It wasn”t until leaving Lucerne at mile marker 16, that I saw a deer warning sign. Although, between Clearlake Oaks and Lucerne there were five signs warning of pedestrians, three no littering signs and four pull over to permit passing signs. Not one sign warning of the presence of deer.
As I worked my way eastbound on Highway 20, back toward the Oaks, I had two near misses with deer crossing the road. The irony of the situation, I thought.
Continuing my investigation I drove east on Highway 20 toward Spring Valley. At the Y intersection eastbound mile marker 31, there was a watch for elk next six miles sign.
I turned around at the north fork of the Cache Creek bridge, mile 37.25 on Highway 20. This stretch of the highway is also dangerous because of the elk and deer crossing.
The fact is the residents/taxpayers of this area think there needs to be clear warning signs posted because of the black tail population growth in the past few years.
Amy Zingone
Clearlake Oaks
