Wild animals have become an increasingly common hazard on Spanish roads, with 36,087 traffic accidents involving wildlife recorded in 2024 alone. This figure represents a near doubling of incidents compared to a decade ago. The vast majority of these accidents occur on conventional roads, and 98% involve direct collisions. In response, the Basque province of Álava is testing a technological solution designed to prevent these encounters from resulting in accidents.
The initiative is led by Mobility Lab, an innovation center for mobility and logistics supported by the Diputación Foral de Álava and the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council. The project seeks to identify a system capable of detecting wild animals as they approach roadways and warning drivers with sufficient lead time to reduce speed. While the specific technology has not yet been selected, potential options include cameras equipped with artificial intelligence for animal recognition, thermal or infrared sensors, and acoustic or luminous devices that activate upon detecting collision risks.
Another possibility involves installing roadside sensors that automatically trigger warning lights when an animal approaches. The pilot test will take place on a road section chosen by the provincial council and will last a minimum of one month. During this period, officials will analyze the system's detection capabilities, alert reliability, and performance under various weather conditions, alongside installation and maintenance costs. A critical requirement is that the technology must be respectful to wildlife, avoiding stress or unpredictable reactions that could increase danger.
Similar initiatives are already underway elsewhere in Spain. In February 2026, Valencia began testing an intelligent system on the CV-600 road between Simat and Benifairó de la Valldigna to detect wild boars and activate light signals. Meanwhile, Castilla y León launched a pilot on the SA-201 road combining artificial vision and thermal imaging, investing 89,262 euros in a section that recorded 132 wildlife-related accidents between 2011 and 2024.
In Toledo, the Ministry of Transport completed an installation in July 2026 along 30.6 kilometers of the N-401 road. This system uses ultrasonic deterrents and flashing LED lights powered by solar energy to discourage animals from crossing while alerting drivers. The project cost 2.76 million euros and includes ten cameras for monitoring.
According to DGT data, wild boars account for 42% of wildlife accidents, followed by roe deer at 32%, with 88% of incidents occurring on conventional roads. In addition to the Mobility Lab project, Álava is considering other measures such as reinforced signage, hunting fences, and repellents or attractants to guide animals toward safe crossings. The current proposal has a base tender budget of 30,000 euros with a maximum development and testing period of six months. If results are positive, the system may be extended to other points in the provincial road network.
Sources: Motorpasión.