WTI

Animal-Vehicle Crash Mitigation Using Advanced Technology - Phase II - UTC

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Animal-Vehicle Crash Mitigation Using Advanced Technology, Phase II: System Effectiveness And System Acceptance
   1. Marcel P. Huijser, PhD, Tiffany D. Holland, BSc, Angela V. Kociolek, MSc, Aaron M. Barkdoll, Jessica D. Schwalm
   2. 4W0858_Final_Report.pdf
2. Animal-Vehicle Crash Mitigation Using Advanced Technology, Phase II: System Effectiveness And System Acceptance
   1. Marcel P. Huijser, PhD, Tiffany D. Holland, BSc, Angela V. Kociolek, MSc, Aaron M. Barkdoll, Jessica D. Schwalm
   2. 4W0858_Executive_Summary.pdf

Project Objective

To adapt and evaluate the animal detection system currently in place along US 191 in Yellowstone National Park, Montana. In phase II of this project the blind spots of the system will be addressed and certain components of the system will be repaired or replaced. Once these modifications and repairs have been completed, the effectiveness of the system in reducing vehicle speed and reducing animal-vehicle collisions will be evaluated.

Project Abstract

With the advent of Intelligent Transportation Systems and an increased focus on technological solutions The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) 14 other departments of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, in cooperation with the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) have examined the current state of knowledge on the reliability and effectiveness of animal detection systems. Phase I of this project also resulted in the development and installation of a prototype animal detection system along US 191 in Yellowstone National Park, Montana. This prototype was found to reliably detect large animals that approach the road. In phase II of this project the blind spots of the system will be addressed and certain components of the system will be repaired or replaced. Once these modifications and repairs have been completed, the effectiveness of the system in reducing vehicle speed and reducing animal-vehicle collisions will be evaluated.

Task Descriptions

1. System Acceptance
   1. Interviews with the traveling public and Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) personnel charged with operation and maintenance of the system will be conducted. WTI researchers will document driver opinions of and experiences with the system and their self-reported reaction to the warning. The interview with MDT personnel will focus on issues related to frequency and ease of operation and maintenance along with perceived system effectiveness.
2. System Reliability
   1. Further testing of system reliability will occur through checking for the potential presence of blind spots, interpretation of the detection data, additional snow tracking, and the comparison of snow tracking data with the detection log of the system. Potential downtime of the system will be documented.
3. System Effectiveness
   1. After the warning signs have been plugged in and activated continuously for three months, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system will start. The effectiveness of the system will be evaluated with regard to a potential reduction in vehicle speed and a potential reduction in animal-vehicle collisions.
4. Confirmation of System Modifications
   1. Human models will be used to confirm the effectiveness of the modifications as described in Task 2 above.
5. Modifications to the System
   1. This task may include the installation of new stations, station removal or relocation, repairs and/or replacement of brackets and solar panels, modification of the radio links and remote access connections.
6. Site Survey
   1. A detailed survey will be conducted to confirm the presence, exact location, and potential remedies to correct of the blind spots in the animal detection system along US Hwy 191 in Montana.
7. Final Report
   1. The Final Report will summarize all project tasks.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Animal-Vehicle Collisions, Animal detection system, Wildlife Crossings, Road Ecology, Reliability

Partners

Research and Innovative Technology Administration