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Overview of animal detection and animal warning systems in North America and Europe

Abstract

The purpose of animal detection and animal warning systems is to prevent or reduce the number of animal-vehicle collisions. These systems are specifi cally aimed at large animals (e.g., ungulates) that can cause human death, injury and property damage. Animal detection systems detect large animals before they enter the road and then warn drivers that a large animal is on or near the road at that time. Animal warning systems detect vehicles and then warn the animals through a variety of audio and visual signals. This paper lists all animal detection and animal warning systems known to the authors in September 2003. We identifi ed 27 locations where systems are or have been in place in North America and Europe. In addition, we identifi ed 20 sites for which an animal detection or animal warning systems are planned. We described the main characteristics of the systems and reviewed them with respect to operation and maintenance. We conclude that animal detection and animal warning systems have the potential to be an effective mitigation tool. However, further research and development is needed before they can be applied on a wide scale.

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