Department - Author 1

Computer Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Computer Engineering

Date

12-2016

Primary Advisor

Andrew Danowitz

Abstract/Summary

Deer-vehicle collisions (DVCs) are extremely dangerous, often injuring or even killing drivers. Unfortunately, this form of automotive accident is commonplace in the United States. According to the NHTSA, DVCs result in 200 human deaths a year.2

Despite these deadly incidents, there currently are no deployed federal or state systems for preventing DVCs. There are many consumer electronic deer deterrent products, but their long-term effectiveness is questionable.3 In fact, there does not appear to be much research into electronic deer deterrent systems. Aside from constant audio output and electric shock, no other means of electronic deterrent exist. Even if fixed deterrents were effective at repelling deer, these would further divide shrinking animal wildlife ecosystems, so this would not be a viable ecological solution. As such, different methods of preventing DVCs need to be explored.

One option would be to warn deer of incoming vehicles. Deer are intelligent and are capable of understanding potential harm. This project is to provide an easy means to experiment with different deer warning methods by delivering a prototyping system. As such, the system should be simple to understand and widely extensible.

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