With the advent of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and an increased focus on advanced technology solutions, many feel that the problem of animal-vehicle crashes should be re-examined. This project will investigate the most promising roadway- or vehicle-based animal detection/driver warning systems to mitigate animal-vehicle crashes. This investigation will 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.

Animal-vehicle crashes are a significant problem on the nation's roadways. They result in injuries or fatalities for the vehicle occupants, significant damage to vehicles and usually result in the death of animals. This study will examine ways to mitigate the damage from animal-vehicle crashes using traditional measures as well as advanced technologies.

The work plan for this project consists of the following seven tasks: 1. Identify potential advanced technology systems 2. Locate potential study sites 3. Document existing site conditions 4. Implement and test systems 5. Collect post-implementation site data 6. Evaluate system effectiveness, acceptance and performance 7. Produce final report

NOTE: THE OFFICIAL PROJECT NUMBER FOR THIS STUDY IS SPR-3(076). PLEASE REFER TO SPR-3(076) FOR ALL PROJECT RELATED DOCUMENTS AND STATUS UPDATES. TPF-5(082) IS A SPECIAL PROJECT NUMBER TO BE USED EXLUSIVELY BY ALASKA AND PENNSYLVANIA DOT FOR FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS TO SPR-3(076).