Summary

Animal detection systems are a compelling, and potentially effective, countermeasure to large animal-vehicle crashes as they provide both a sensing and dynamic situational warning. However, data on system effectiveness are extremely scarce at this time. More and better data on system effectiveness are needed but can only be obtained by installing more animal detection systems that reliably detect large animals. While animal detection systems are still largely experimental, we know that they can result in lower vehicle speeds, and that they can lead to a substantial reduction in animal-vehicle collisions. Despite the encouraging results of some animal detection system projects, there remains much to be learned about the reliability and effectiveness of these systems. The proposed work is split into seven phases with specific associated deliverables:

1. review of the literature and experiences with similar projects,
2. system selection and vendor selection based on the local conditions, the specific requirements of Caltrans, and the final site selection,
3. System installation, system acceptance tests, and system acceptance by Caltrans,
4. System reliability tests,
5. investigation of the effect of the system on driver behavior,
6. documentation of the effect of the system on elk-vehicle collisions, and
7. preparation of a final report for Caltrans.