Decrease in Wildlife-Train Collisions with Optical-Acoustic Warnings
Employing Reflective Vests and Nighttime Precautionary Signs for Wildlife Crossing Evasion on Tracks - Alerts Sound and Lights Flash for Unruly Mishaps on Tracks
In the region between Frankfurt and Cologne, the deployment of optical-acoustic wildlife warning devices on the ICE track has resulted in a third reduction in wildlife accidents. This stretch of track is a national hotspot for collisions between trains and deer, wild boar, and other wildlife, as stated by the Hessian State Hunting Association.
Last summer, the railway installed 300 of these devices over a 20-kilometer stretch between Medenbach and Niederselters in the Hessian Taunus region. A spokesperson for the railway reported positive results in this area.
As a train approaches, these devices emit a high-frequency beep to warn nearby wildlife. At night, they also flash blue to deter wildlife. The devices are effective as wild animals often fail to perceive the ICE as a threat.
To minimize wildlife activity in detected high-traffic areas, hunters have placed cameras along the track. These areas are then made less appealing to animals through increased hunting activity. Regular human scent is also enough to discourage animals from these sensitive zones.
According to the State Hunting Association, there are approximately 30 collisions with wildlife on the pilot project section each year, with 80% involving deer and 20% wild boar. Although this number is lower than on roads, it still causes significant consequences, including animal suffering, train delays, and lengthy track inspections.
The forested sections between the track and the nearby A3 motorway offer ideal hiding spots for deer and wild boar. This, in part, explains why this rail section is a hotspot for wildlife accidents, as there are few cyclists, joggers, or unleashed dogs in the area.
Psychological consequences for train drivers are also possible. Sometimes, there is only a dull thud, making it unclear what exactly occurred. For instance, a regional train driver recently experienced a light shock near Kirn in Rhineland-Palatinate when his train collided with a deer and had to be relieved. According to the railway, employees who require support after a wildlife accident can claim psychological help.
Enrichment Data
- Studies and reports regarding the effectiveness of optical-acoustic wildlife warning devices in the Hessian Taunus region are not available. However, broader research and ongoing technological deployments in railway safety provide context for assessing such systems' potential effectiveness.
- Systems like AI-enabled Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), which combine acoustic sensing with optical detection, have been implemented in railway networks to detect wildlife intrusions, reducing wildlife-train collisions significantly. For example, Indian Railways reported a more than 50% reduction in elephant fatalities after deploying DAS systems.
- Integration of optical sensors (such as thermal or IR cameras) and advanced object detection algorithms can identify animals on tracks and trigger immediate alerts, enhancing railway safety. Acoustic monitoring, independent of optical systems, can similarly identify the presence of wildlife based on sounds, providing continuous surveillance in various environmental conditions.
- If these systems were installed and maintained properly in the Medenbach–Niederselters corridor, they would likely offer real-time wildlife detection, immediate alerts to train operators, and a reduction in wildlife-train collisions, as demonstrated in similar railway networks.
- In light of the success of the optical-acoustic wildlife warning devices on the ICE track, perhaps community aid could be sought to fund the installation of similar systems in the steel industry, potentially improving safety and productivity in these areas.
- As science advances and industry adopts new technologies, the implementation of environmental-science and AI-enabled systems, such as Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), could prove beneficial to sectors like transportation and the steel industry, reducing accidents and promoting sustainability.
- The positive impact of increased finance on the transportation sector, as seen in the deployment of optical-acoustic wildlife warning devices, could similarly have positive effects on the steel industry, facilitating innovation, safety, and environmental conservation.
