Animal-vehicle crash mitigation using advanced technology : phase II, system effectiveness and system acceptance.

Huijser, Marcel P.; Holland, Tiffany D.; Kociolek, Angela V.; Barkdoll, Aaron M.; Schwalm, Jessica D. · 2009 · ROSA P / Oregon. Dept. of Transportation. Research Unit

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Summary

This report details Phase II of a study evaluating an animal detection system (ADS) installed along US Highway 191 in Yellowstone National Park, Montana. The research aimed to mitigate animal-vehicle collisions by testing the system’s effectiveness in reducing vehicle speeds and collision rates, as well as assessing public acceptance. Phase I had identified blind spots in the original system caused by steep slopes and curves, preventing the activation of warning signs. Phase II focused on modifying the system to eliminate these blind spots, installing remote access capabilities, and evaluating performance metrics. The researchers modified the ADS to reduce blind spots to 1.09% of the total system length, allowing for the attachment of dynamic warning signs. They employed traffic counters to measure vehicle speeds under conditions where warning signs were activated versus deactivated. Additionally, they analyzed collision and road mortality data from the treatment section compared to pre-installation data and comparable control sections. To gauge public acceptance, the team conducted surveys with drivers who had traveled through the study area. Results indicated that passenger cars, pick-ups, vans, and trucks with two or more units reduced their speeds when warning signs were activated. Specifically, passenger vehicles slowed by an average of 1.52 mi/h (2.45 km/h), while larger trucks slowed by 0.91 mi/h (1.46 km/h). Although the absolute speed reduction was modest, the authors note that such reductions disproportionately decrease the probability of severe accidents and improve driver alertness. Regarding collision mitigation, the number of reported collisions with large mammals in the treatment section was 66.7% lower than pre-installation levels and 57.6% lower than in control sections. However, due to the short road length and limited data duration (one year post-installation), the researchers could not statistically confirm the significance of this reduction. Public acceptance was generally positive. Survey respondents reported that 96% noticed the system, and 71% viewed animal detection systems as a good idea. Most drivers (59%) wished for the system to remain in place, and many reported increased alertness or speed reduction when signs activated. Despite these positive findings, the system was removed in fall 2008 due to high maintenance costs, lack of spare parts, and concerns regarding landscape aesthetics. The report concludes with recommendations for agencies considering ADS implementation, emphasizing the need for reliable detection, robust hardware, and further research to validate long-term effectiveness.

Key finding

Vehicle speeds for passenger cars and trucks were lower when warning signs were activated, and reported collisions with large mammals decreased by 58-67% compared to pre-installation levels.

Methodology

field_study

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

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• rail grade crossings

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation