Deer find themselves on ITD's radar

COEUR d'ALENE — The Idaho Transportation Department is testing a device in Boundary County that, if successful, could significantly reduce the number of collisions between animals and vehicles on highways throughout the state.

Last year, according to ITD, collisions between animals and vehicles cost Idaho approximately $20 million in vehicle repair costs, human injuries and fatalities, towing, investigation, and the disposal of animal carcasses. To help alleviate this cost to both the state and motorists, ITD is testing a system that uses a Doppler-radar sensor mounted on top of a 25 foot pole to detect large animals on either side of the road.

The system, according to a press release, is connected to flashing warning beacons that are activated to alert motorists.

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