How Missouri DOT Slashed Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

Episode Summary

In this episode, Caleb Knerr and Tayler MacDonald discuss the steps the Missouri Department of Transportation has taken to address wildlife-vehicle collisions on state roadways. 

Episode Notes

On the latest episode of The Stream by AASHTO podcast, Caleb Knerr and Tayler MacDonald– both senior environmental specialists, with the Missouri Department of Transportation – discuss how their agency used tracking technology to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) on state roadways.

In Missouri, wildlife vehicle collisions have become an increasing concern. On MoDOT roads, 8-10% of wildlife vehicle collisions result in injury or faality. There was a total of 17,609 WVCs, so around 1,584. Further, these WVCs cost the state of Missouri over $230 million dollars. The conversation explores the parameters to identify them and how they decided to most effectively act.

In this episode, they discuss MoDOT's use of technology to track wildlife sightings, including the Roadkill Observation and Data System “ROaDS” mobile application. The app allows drivers to identify and place wildlife presences along highways. They also share MoDOTs 2021 pilot program that was designed to identify WVCs hotspots and how to reduce them. It focuses on improving safety while restoring habitat connectivity. The project was awarded $320,000 in federal funds.  

This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state DOTs and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

Editor’s note about similar Utah DOT app: https://aashtojournal.transportation.org/utah-introduces-roadkill-reporter-app-for-motorists/