WTI

Animal Vehicle Crash Mitigation Using Advanced Technologies

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Animal Vehicle Crash Mitigation Using Advanced Technology
   1. M. Huijser, P. McGowen, W.Camel, A.Hardy, P. Wright, A. Clevenger
   2. 428563_Final_Report.pdf
2. Animal Detection Driver Warning System Brochure
   1. Marcel Huijser
   2. Animal_Detection_Driver_Warning_Brochure.pdf

Project Objective

Deploy and evaluate effectiveness of automated animal detection and warning.

Project Abstract

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) vehicle collisions with animals accounted for more than a quarter of a million vehicle crashes in 1996. Although the majority of these crashes resulted in limited human injury or property damage, we know that crash-related costs quickly escalate above the average per crash cost of $2,000. Reducing the risk of injury and reducing property damage certainly benefits the traveling public.Traditional Countermeasures Three methods have typically been used to reduce animal-vehicle collisions (1) limit animal presence on the roadway using fences, reflectors, scent and sound-based repellents, or increased hunting; (2) improve the driver’s ability to react through reduced speed zones, vegetation clearances or improved lighting; or (3) improve the driver’s awareness of the hazard through warning signs or public education. Traditional countermeasures have met with mixed results or have been too costly to justify their widespread implementation.The Project With the advent of Intelligent Transportation Systems and an increased focus on technological solutions, many feel that the problem of animal-vehicle crashes should be re-examined. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), in cooperation with the Western Transportation Institute (WTI), is proposing to do just that. A pooled fund study has been initiated that will investigate the most promising roadway or vehicle-based animal detection/driver warning systems to mitigate animal-vehicle crashes. This investigation will likely result in the development and installation of a prototype animal detection and driver warning system and an evaluation of its effectiveness in reducing animal-vehicle crashes. Depending on the technological opportunities more than one system may be field-tested and evaluated.

Task Descriptions

1. Locate potential study sites
   1. Identify four implementation sites, selecting the best sites based on predefined criteria
2. Identify potential advanced technology systems
   1. Literature review of existing research and collection of vendor information
3. Collect data
   1. Collect post implementation site data at all selected sites
4. Document existing site conditions
   1. For sites selected, collect any pre-evaluation data
5. Implement and test systems
   1. Install automated animal presence detection and warning systems at selected sites
6. Evaluation
   1. Evaluate system effectiveness, acceptance and performance and produce final report.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

True

Relationship to Other Research Projects

False

Technology Transfer Activities

False

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Animal, safety, ITS

Partners

Kansas, Pennsylvania, Alaska, Montana, Iowa, Indiana, Wyoming, New York, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, California, Nevada, Oregon, Maryland, North Dakota