Abstract
The increase in animal–vehicle collisions (AVCs) on U.S. roadways raises significant concerns for human safety, property damage and injury costs, and viability of wildlife populations. Valuable AVC data can be obtained from documentation of instances and locations of animal carcasses on the roadway, but most transportation organizations do not systematically record these data. In 2006, accidents reported by police in Virginia represented less than 14% of the 45,000 deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) estimated from insurance industry claims. A project was carried out to test a personal digital assistant (PDA) enabled with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for the collection and analyses of animal carcass removals from the roadway and to initiate the integration of this data collection method into regular practice by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). VDOT maintenance personnel collected 8 months of spatially accurate carcass removal data by using GPS-enabled PDAs. DVC estimates from this procedure were more than nine times greater than the number reported by police. Given the findings and efforts from the study, VDOT plans to integrate collection of carcass removal data with PDAs into regular practice. The procedures described in the report can guide other states interested in implementing a systematic and spatially accurate method for collecting AVC data. Implementing mitigation in high-density AVC areas can ultimately lead to fewer AVCs and associated reductions in human deaths, injuries, and financial losses; improved traffic operations; a reduction in maintenance costs related to carcass removal and disposal; and wildlife conservation.
Published Version
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