Virginia Pilot Links Wildlife Alerts to 3 mph Speed Reduction

A pilot project in southwest Virginia found that drivers slowed by an average of 3 mph after wildlife-warning signs were activated by an automated system detecting medium- to large-sized animals. The initial results come from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), which evaluated thermal cameras and artificial-intelligence software paired with dynamic message signs. Researchers studied a 14-mile section of Route 460 near Grundy, though the detection equipment covered a 750-meter stretch. Data were collected from more than 10,000 vehicles to assess detection accuracy and driver speed. The study did not determine whether the system prevented collisions or fatalities. The system achieved 97% accuracy and used solar-powered camera trailers, roadside radar, and T-Mobile 5G for remote monitoring in mountainous terrain.