Understanding Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions in Illinois

Stodola, Kirk; Finney, Noah; Gronemeyer, Peg; Scopel, Lauren

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/128675 Copy

Description

Title

Understanding Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions in Illinois

Author(s)

• Stodola, Kirk
• Finney, Noah
• Gronemeyer, Peg
• Scopel, Lauren

Issue Date

2025-06

Keyword(s)

• Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions
• Wildlife Crossings
• Deer
• Animals
• Collision Mitigation
• Accident Analysis
• Accident Data
• Accident Locations

Date of Ingest

2025-06-05T11:59:34-05:00

Abstract

Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs), particularly those involving deer, pose significant risks to public safety, economic stability, and biodiversity. This review and analysis highlight key contributing factors, including habitat fragmentation, road design, vehicle speed, and environmental conditions, which collectively increase the likelihood of WVCs. This review identifies specific locations in Illinois where WVCs are most common and the landscape features that are attributed to them. The review also identifies a range of mitigation strategies that have been implemented with varying degrees of success. Engineering solutions, such as wildlife fencing, overpasses, and underpasses, have proven effective in reducing collisions by guiding animal movement. Additionally, driver-focused interventions, including improved signage, road lighting, and public awareness campaigns, can play a crucial role in reducing WVC risks. Emerging technologies, such as real-time vehicle-based detection systems and road-integrated warning mechanisms, offer promising advancements in collision prevention. To further reduce WVCs, this review recommends integrating wildlife conservation efforts into transportation planning, ensuring that mitigation strategies are proactively incorporated into infrastructure development. Public education and driver awareness programs could be expanded, particularly in high-risk areas, to encourage safer driving behaviors. Finally, this review recommends developing a standardized approach for collecting data on WVCs for non-deer species. Roadways may pose a significant threat to the population health of many species of conservation concern, yet little information exists on the locations and factors influencing their occurrence. By adopting a proactive, interdisciplinary approach, stakeholders can enhance both human safety and wildlife conservation while addressing the increasing challenges posed by WVCs

Publisher

Illinois Center for Transportation/Illinois Department of Transportation

Has Part

ISSN: 0197-9191

Series/Report Name or Number

FHWA-ICT-25-006

Type of Resource

text

Genre of Resource

technical report

Language

eng

DOI

https://doi.org/10.36501/0197-9191/25-006

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

IDOT-R27-SP70

Copyright and License Information

No restrictions. This document is available through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161.

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