RADS signs first of its kind in Florida go up in Collier Co.

RADS signs first of its kind in Florida go up in Collier Co.

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla -- A new $450,000 project to protect Florida wildlife is now complete.

Brand new solar-powered signs are up along US 41 in the Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County.

The goal is to get drivers to slow down when animals get near the road. The system uses solar powered sensors to detect large animals, like panthers, in the area. If a panther crosses the sensors path, the signs will start flashing and warn drivers to slow down.

The stretch along US 41 is known for it's large panther population and as a result car versus cat crashes.

Debbie Tower says, "we see animals near the roadway, crossing the roadway and we know we have seen incidents with injury and fatality in animal life." Tower is the public information officers for the Florida Department of Transportation.

State transportation officials hope these signs, the first of its kind in Florida, will be the solution to the problem.

"We think it's a really good approach. It's less invasive, very effective, and cost efficient," says Tower.

The Roadside Animal Detection System also known as RADS alerts drivers along a 1.3 mile long stretch of Tamiami Trail. When a panther, bear or other animal approaches the road, it crosses an invisible beam and triggers the sign to start flashing.

"It will be very bright. Drivers need to be prepared. Their natural reaction will be to hit the breaks and ease off the gas, which is great," Tower said.

"The RADS system is a great alternative to what they were going to do," said David Shealy, a Big Cypress resident who lives and works near where the signs went up. Shealy says the system is a good one, but he's already noticed a few problems.

"The particular area we see cats crossing isn't covered by the RADS system, so they missed their mark there, but it shouldn't take too long to fix it," says Shealy.

"We're able now to compare data with data we had proceeding the project so we can monitor its effectiveness. We'll know when and what kind of animals are crossing in

Source: http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florida/2012-01-05/RADS-signs-first-of-its-kind-in-Florida-go-up-in-Collier-Co

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