Drivers and wildlife can be protected simultaneously. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Eastern that discussed Roadside Animal Detection Systems (RADS). These systems use sensors to detect animals, classify potential threats, and trigger driver warning systems. Presenters described emerging hardware and software technologies for RADS, including price point, detection range, accuracy, and speed of warning.

This webinar was organized by the TRB Standing Committee on Environmental Analysis and Ecology.

The slides and recording of the webinar are available.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. RADS and Artificial Intelligence: Fraser Shilling, University of California, Davis
2. LiDAR: Hao Xu, University of Nevada, Reno
3. Buried cables and other technology: Andrew Alden, Virginia Transportation Technology Institute
4. Question and answer session: Moderated by Nova Simpson, Nevada Department of Transportation

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Identify hardware that detects and classifies animals along roads
2. Determine when RADs make economic sense
3. Compare RAD approach with more conventional wildlife fencing and crossing structures

Professional Development Hours

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.