PILOT PROJECT TO DETER WILDLIFE-VEHICLE COLLISIONS

Released on May 9, 2002

Wildlife-vehicle collisions may be prevented if a pilot project tested in

rural Saskatchewan proves effective.



Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation, Saskatchewan Government Insurance

and International Road Dynamics (IRD), a Saskatoon-based company, have

formed a partnership to develop a five kilometre pilot project on Highway 7

south of Harris. The Harris site was selected based on its accident

history of 20 animal-vehicle collisions in the last five years.



"This unique initiative could make highways much safer for drivers since

wildlife collisions are a major problem in Saskatchewan," Highways and

Transportation Minister Mark Wartman said. "I am confident the investment

made by the department and SGI will help develop a technology that works."



The department and SGI are each providing $25,000 for a two-year pilot

project.



IRD Chief Operating Officer Randy Hanson says, "The funding from the

government will help realize common goals between the government and IRD.

The warning system uses proven technology to detect approaching vehicles

and warn animals. This is the first time these technologies have been

combined in an effort to reduce collisions."



The IRD Wildlife Warning System contains several sensors and warning

devices that alert animals of danger. Mounted to roadside poles every 300

metres are a small cabinet containing the electronic and communication

hardware, sensors for vehicle detection, and an animal warning device. The

units are powered by solar panel and battery.



Approaching vehicles trigger a sensor that activates the warning system.

The sensor then sends a signal to other warning units installed along the

highway. The sensors alternate the use of sounds and lights to repel

wildlife so that the animals won't become accustomed to and ignore the

warnings. The system has no physical barriers and allows the animals to

maintain their normal migration patterns.



According to SGI, in 2001 there were 11,775 reported collisions with

animals, costing the Auto Fund $22.6 million in claims. The number of

wildlife/vehicle collisions has increased over the last 10 years and the

cost is growing at a rate of more than $1 million per year. Between 1988

and 1999, more than 20 fatalities were caused on Saskatchewan's highways by

wildlife/vehicle collisions.



The deer warning system will be tested for two years. The effectiveness

will be evaluated by a committee including IRD, SGI, Saskatchewan Highways

and Transportation, Saskatchewan Environment, Saskatchewan Wildlife

Federation, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Automobile Association,

Saskatoon and Area Safety Council and the West Central Municipal Government

Committee.



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For more information, contact:



Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupré

Highways and Transportation

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4792

Cell: (306) 536-9692