Virginia Tech tests thermal cameras and AI to warn drivers of animals near roads
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - Researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute are testing a system that uses thermal cameras and AI software to detect large animals near the road and warn drivers in real time. The testing comes as a local body shop manager says deer claims have increased. Laura Goodrich, a Claytor Lake resident, said deer are a regular presence on the back roads near the lake. “Probably about once a year I have a deer that runs out in front of me or just hits me on the side. And there’s more and more deer at the lake,” Goodrich said. Goodrich said the roads give drivers little warning. “It’s not like it’s two lanes each direction and you can see them coming because you can’t. They come right out of the forest and they’re there,” Goodrich said. She said the risk is higher during the rut. Kin Jennelle, manager of Collision Plus, said deer claims used to follow…