To reduce animal-vehicle collisions near a roadway, researchers have come up with an innovative detection system for animals, which is designed to warn motorists of any wildlife active near a roadway.
To activate warning lights or signs alerting drivers when large animals are on, or near, the road ahead, the animal detection systems use passive or active infrared signals, lasers, microwaves, or seismic sensors.
The Western Transportation Institute researchers at Montana State University have tested the system, reliably detecting elk along and on U.S. Highway 191 in Yellowstone National Park. The system is built by Sensor Technologies & Systems of Scottsdale, Ariz, with The Oregon Department of Transportation as the leading funding agency for the study.
