▷ An intelligent wildlife warning system for motorists

The equipment consists of special poles installed near the road edge, on top of which is mounted a red light signal lamp, powered by solar cells. The poles are installed at certain distances along the animal migration section of the above-mentioned road.

“Every year, numerous road accidents related to wild animal escapes occur on Lithuanian roads, especially at night. This innovative smart technology system under development could be one of the effective tools in the future, helping to reduce collisions between motor vehicles and wild animals on Lithuanian roads,” emphasizes Remigius Lipkevičius, Head of the Road Directorate.

The principle of operation of the intelligent equipment is that the system scans the area along the road at dusk or after sunset, and if movement is detected there, a flashing red signal is activated, which warns drivers of vehicles (coming from both sides) to reduce speed in this area and monitor the environment more carefully, as wild animals have approached the road. After the animal leaves the scanning area, the system continues to warn of possible danger for some time. This system only captures warm-blooded animals.

Animal migration in the country becomes more active in autumn and spring. Warning road signs no. 131 “Wild Beasts”, as well as fences against temporary animals, using modern technology. For example, national road no. 195 The Kėdainiai–Krekenava–Panevėžys section is equipped with a warning system for the presence of wild animals on the road.

The equipment must warn of the presence of animals up to 20 m from the edge of the road and this information is automatically transmitted to variable information road signs.

Every year on Lithuanian roads there are road accidents in which people are injured, killed or injured when a car collides with an animal. According to data from the Lithuanian traffic police, during the 7 months of this year 20 road accidents were recorded on the roads of Lithuania, of which 9 road accidents occurred during the dark hours of the day. During 2021, when a car collided with an animal, 32 road accidents involving people were recorded, of which 21 occurred in the dark. In total, more than 3,800 road accidents involving animals were recorded on Lithuanian roads in 2021. In 7 months of this year, more than 1,800 road accidents were recorded.

conclusion

The State Roads Directorate of Lithuanian Highways (hereinafter – Roads Directorate), in cooperation with researchers, has launched an innovative road safety initiative aimed at reducing wildlife-related accidents. The pilot project is currently being implemented on state road No. 140 Kaunas–Zapyškis–Šakiai, between 41 and 43 kilometers from Kaunas. This section has been selected for testing new information devices designed to warn drivers about the possible presence of wild animals near or on the roadway.

The newly developed system uses advanced detection technology to monitor animal movement close to the road. When wildlife is detected approaching or preparing to cross, the system activates flashing light signals during dark hours. These visual warnings are intended to immediately alert drivers, giving them additional time to slow down, remain cautious, and avoid potential collisions.

Wildlife crossings pose a serious safety risk, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions. By providing real-time alerts, the system enhances driver awareness and aims to reduce accidents that can result in significant vehicle damage, injuries, or harm to animals. This proactive approach reflects growing efforts to integrate smart technologies into road infrastructure for improved safety.

Motorists traveling through the test section are encouraged to remain attentive, carefully observe both the roadway and its surroundings, and not be alarmed by the flashing lights. The signals are part of a safety measure, not an emergency situation. Drivers are advised to reduce speed when warning lights are activated and proceed with caution.

If successful, the project could serve as a model for wider implementation across other high-risk road sections in Lithuania, contributing to safer travel conditions for both drivers and wildlife.