7 Large Animal Crash Mitigation
7.1.5 Animal Vehicle Crash Mitigation Using Advanced Technologies Pooled Fund Study
Impetus for the Activity
The Western Transportation Institute and Oregon Department of Transportation recently initiated a study to demonstrate and evaluate systems that detect animals on the roadside and give a dynamic warning to the driver.
System Description
Twelve States have contributed to the pooled fund study. The study is currently in its initial phases; however, plans exist to (1) identify potential sites, (2) deploy systems at the best sites (1-4 deployments depending on available funding), and (3) evaluate these systems. Sites are identified by participating State Departments of Transportation compiling related data and submitting potential sites to the Technical Advisory Committee of the project. Although this is not a nationwide comprehensive analysis of potential sites, all sites submitted may assist with identifying “Hot Spots”. System deployment is expected in fall of 2001.
One system by STS has been selected for trial in Yellowstone National Park, on Highway 191, approximately 50 km south of Bozeman, Montana. This system can detect direction of animal movement (entering right-of-way or leaving), which should cut down on false alarms.
Another system, the Oh Deer system, will be deployed if adequate additional funds can be obtained. The project partners are pursuing the necessary funds, and the deployment location is to be determined. The Oh Deer system uses infrared and a flashing beacon in a self-contained unit mounted on the roadside.
Information on system performance and system effectiveness will become available as the pooled fund study progresses.