The LIFE SAFE-CROSSING project in which MINUARTIA participates focuses on preventing fauna mortality on roads and particularly collisions with large carnivores such as bears or wolve. Within this project visits were carried out to the study areas of La Maiella and Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Parks in Italy. The objective of the visits was to deepen collaboration between the Catalan and Italian teams. On the one hand, the application of the results of previous analyses, conducted by MINUARTIA and other project partners, was discussed. In these analyses accident concentration sections where measures can obtain a greater cost/benefit were identified. In other words, the areas where these measures can achieve a greater reduction in the number of accidents. Transversal structures adapted to facilitate their use by fauna according to the guidelines provided were also visited.
The visit also included a review of various several installatios sites of innovative collision prevention systems, with an exhange on their characteristics, application requirements and preliminary results of the monitoring and evaluation of effectiveness carried out in the two National Parks. The aim was to facilitate the replication of the systems in other places. The technology with the best results comprised of signals warning of the presence of wildlife in or near the road activated by animal detection sensors. The devices also have sound deterrents to alert the animal and prevent it from crossing the road when a vehicle passes. These sound deterrent devices are only activated when a vehicle travels along the road at more than a certain speed while an animal approaches. The application of technologies to reduce the risks caused by fauna is one of the challenges that transport road managers are currently facing.
More information at: https://life.safe-crossing.eu
