Safer Roads with Wildlife Alerts
30 Jun 2023[Project]
SmartwayZ.NL launches an innovative trial on the N69 road
On April 21, 2023, SmartwayZ.NL launched an innovative trial on the N69 road, in partnership with Talking Traffic, to test a wildlife detection system to enhance road safety. This groundbreaking project seeks to significantly reduce wildlife-related traffic incidents by alerting drivers in real time through their Waze navigation app, complementing the existing dynamic road signs. With a successful pilot, this technology promises to extend its benefits across various locations and navigation platforms.
Enhanced in-car alerts
Scheduled to run for three to six months, this trial leverages Prowild’s cutting-edge wildlife detection technology. This technology has been used since 2011 and has prevented over 1,600 accidents by predicting wildlife crossings and activating nearby signage. This initiative introduces a pivotal enhancement: direct in-car notifications via the Waze app. These alerts serve as an additional warning layer, allowing drivers to react swiftly by adjusting their speed. Similar to what was learned from the tyre pressure monitoring systems for freight vehicles.
Seamless in-app alert integration
The trial encompasses a comprehensive test of the necessary technology chain. Upon wildlife detection by roadside sensors, an alert is triggered not only by the physical signage but also directly by drivers through their navigation apps. Monotch’s platform, part of the Talking Traffic initiative, facilitates this integration, ensuring timely and effective driver notification of potential wildlife crossings.
Collaborative effort for safer roads
This endeavour is a collaboration among several key stakeholders, including SmartwayZ.NL, Monotch, Prowild, MAPtm, Yunex Traffic, Tripservice, the Province of North Brabant, and Royal HaskoningDHV. This partnership underscores the commitment to leveraging innovative technologies to enhance road safety and protect wildlife. Additionally, it illustrates a unified approach to addressing the challenges of modern traffic management.
In summary, this initiative not only showcases the potential of technology in improving road safety but also exemplifies Monotch’s dedication to creating safer, more efficient mobility solutions. By bringing together various expertise and cutting-edge technology, we pave the way towards a future where traffic and wildlife coexist harmoniously.