Virginia Trying to Reduce Animal-Vehicle Collisions

A study aimed at reducing collisions between vehicles and animals is targeting a section of Interstate 64 near Waynesboro, Va.

Lead researcher Bridget Donaldson tells the Richmond Times-Dispatch that 30 percent of the accidents on the 18 mile-section are collisions with wildlife.

Motion-activated cameras have been placed along the highway section east and west of Afton Mountain. Researchers are using the cameras to see when and how animals cross the interstate.

If there’s an underpass, Donaldson says deer and bears often will travel under roads. But not all animals will take that route.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is conducting the three-year study, which is in its second year.