Catalonia leads with AI-driven system to prevent animal-related road accidents

by Lorraine Williamson
animal related accidents

Wild animals on the road present one of the most unpredictable hazards for drivers, often leading to dangerous situations such as sudden manoeuvres, collisions, or rollovers. In Spain, the scale of this issue is significant, with thousands of accidents recorded annually.

According to data from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), there were 35,048 animal-related traffic accidents in 2023 alone. Addressing this growing problem, Catalonia has introduced an innovative solution that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance road safety.

Pioneering AI technology in Catalonia

The Servei Català de Trànsit (SCT) has implemented an AI-powered system designed to prevent accidents involving wild animals. This advanced technology analyses real-time images from strategically placed cameras, enabling the detection of animals on or near roads.

Once an animal is identified, illuminated panels along the road display warnings for drivers. These panels also automatically reduce the speed limit by at least 20 km/h to minimise the risk of collisions.

How the system works

The AI system employs sensors that monitor a 270-metre-long and 60-metre-wide area. These sensors analyse video footage in real-time, detecting the presence of animals and triggering immediate alerts.

This cutting-edge technology has been installed on the N-260 road in Cabanelles, located in the Alt Empordà region of Girona. The site was chosen due to its high incidence of accidents caused by wild animals, primarily ungulates.

Between its launch in August 2024 and mid-December, the system recorded animal presence 354 times, demonstrating its potential to reduce accidents significantly.

Key differences from existing systems

The SCT system stands out from similar measures implemented by the DGT. While the DGT uses illuminated boards activated by light signals to warn drivers, the SCT’s AI-based solution detects animals in real-time through cameras.

The DGT system’s light signals remain active for 15 minutes after detecting an animal, reactivating only if further movement is detected. In contrast, the AI system provides a dynamic and precise response, instantly adjusting road warnings and speed limits based on real-time data.

Enhanced safety and future potential

Catalonia’s AI-driven initiative represents a significant advancement in road safety technology. By combining artificial intelligence with real-time monitoring, the system offers a proactive approach to minimising animal-related traffic accidents.

As wild animals continue to pose risks to drivers across Spain, expanding this system to other regions could play a crucial role in reducing accidents and saving lives.

Also read: One in four Iberian Lynx deaths caused by road accidents

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