Researchers Use Simulation, AI to Prevent Animal-Vehicle Collisions

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 24, 2025) – An innovative transportation project led by faculty and students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities (CR²C²) uses advanced simulation, artificial intelligence and real-time sensors to predict and prevent animal-vehicle collisions.

The research, recently featured in a new CR²C² video, is drawing attention for its potential to transform road safety in rural America.

Every year in the United States, up to two million crashes occur between vehicles and animals, causing about 200 deaths, more than 20,000 injuries and billions of dollars in damage, data from the U.S. Department of Transportation show.

“This research paves a transformative path toward safer rural roads by integrating models of driver behavior with cutting-edge AI in autonomous vehicles to intelligently mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions, protecting both people and animals,” said Steven Jiang, Ph.D., associate professor of industrial and systems engineering at N.C. A&T.

The project combines a vehicle-in-the-loop simulator with eye-tracking and brainwave sensors to study how drivers react when animals unexpectedly cross the road. That data is paired with AI-enabled detection systems – using radar, cameras and heat sensors – to give drivers faster, more accurate warnings to react promptly when wildlife is nearby.

For students, the work provides hands-on opportunities to tackle urgent real-world problems. “This project has enhanced my research expertise, strengthened my technical and analytical skills, and guided my academic journey toward developing real-world solutions with meaningful impact,” said Sita Ram Prasad Martha, a master’s computer science student.

The research is part of a larger effort by CR²C² to improve transportation safety, especially in rural communities. With rural roads posing unique risks such as sharp curves, steep hills and limited lighting, the team’s findings could help automakers, policymakers and state agencies like the North Carolina Department of Transportation develop more effective safety systems.

“At CR2C2, our focus is on developing transportation solutions that directly address the unique challenges of rural communities,” said Ali Karimoddini, Ph.D., CR²C² director. “This project demonstrates how research at N.C. A&T can drive innovations that improve safety on roads across North Carolina and beyond.”

To watch the full video about the project, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2vGw6KfeG8.