Testing an Integrated PDA-GPS System to Collect Standardized Roadkill Data

About the project:

VDOT does not currently have a standardized method for collecting and maintaining animal-vehicle collision data. Of the 39,000 deer-vehicle collisions estimated by insurance agencies in 2004, only 5,105 (13%) were reported and stored in VDOT’s accident database. A standardized method of recording animal-vehicle collisions would substantially increase the dataset, enabling both researchers and management to prioritize efforts on mitigation opportunities to increase safety and reduce carcass disposal costs. A VDOT maintenance crew will test software that runs on a hand held Personal Data Assistant (PDA) linked to a Global Positioning System (GPS). This system allows for easy, standardized, and spatially precise collection of animal-vehicle collision data. This project has a high potential for implementation within VDOT’s Asset Management System, wherby PDA-GPS units are planned for distribution to all Area Headquarters for use by maintenance crews in recording road work activities.

Project Team

Co-Principal Investigators

Other Investigators