Smart roads to the rescue: New AI-based system aims to prevent roadkill
The South Korean government is pioneering efforts to reduce roadkill with the deployment of advanced artificial intelligence technology.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Environment launched a pilot program for its Animal Road Accident (Roadkill) Prevention System, designed to detect wildlife on roadways using image recognition AI. The system is currently being tested on two provincial roads: one in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, and the other in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province.
This innovative system combines AI-enabled CCTV cameras and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors to monitor continuously for animals on the roads. When wildlife is detected, a warning message -- 'Wild animal detected within 150 m ahead' -- is displayed on LED boards situated 150 meters before the hazard zone.
The ministry said in a press release that by incorporating deep-learning algorithms, the technology analyzes patterns in wildlife behavior, including species types and their activity times. This predictive capability allows for timely alerts, helping drivers to reduce their speed and remain vigilant.
'Drivers will be able to recognize animals ahead, slow down and take precautionary measures, which is expected to significantly reduce accidents,' the ministry said.
The project was initiated in March 2025 after a memorandum of understanding was signed in July 2024 among the Ministry of Environment, Posco DX, the Korea National Park Service (KNPS) and the National Institute of Ecology (NIE).
One provincial road segment in Yangpyeong and another in Pyeongchang, both recognized as hotspots for animal-related incidents, were chosen for this initial rollout. The ministry led the project, providing administrative support, while Posco DX was responsible for developing and installing the system. KNPS and NIE played vital roles in identifying suitable locations and assessing the system's effectiveness.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to extend the system's reach to three additional high-risk areas, including Hoengseong in Gangwon Province and Namwon in North Jeolla Province, by 2027.
Officials believe the system will not only help prevent roadkill but also reduce traffic accidents and vehicle damage, enhancing both driver safety and biodiversity conservation.
To celebrate the launch, the ministry held a completion ceremony at the Cheongun Township Office Welfare Center in Yangpyeong, attended by approximately 50 participants. The event featured a live demonstration of the AI system in action.
'This initiative signifies a collaborative approach to addressing wildlife road accidents,' said Kim Tae-oh, director of the Nature Conservation Bureau at the Ministry of Environment. 'We are committed to pursuing projects and policies that foster corporate involvement in biodiversity conservation.'
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