Navigating Through Wildlife
for the Florida Wildlife Corridora plugin for Waze and Google Maps that educates drivers through conservation and prevents roadkill accidents
Background
The confrontation of people with wild Florida has long been an issue, creating inaccessibility for species large and small. Roadkill is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents.
Goal
By redefining our use of technology and way-finding, we can change our impact on the animals that call it home, too.
Research
"1.5 million traffic accidents involving deer in the United States cause an estimated $1.1 billion in vehicle damage each year. On a larger scale, research indicates that wildlife-vehicle collisions in the United States result in 29,000 injuries and more than 200 fatalities per year."
Panther activity is greatest between dusk and dawn when visibility is lowest. Reduced nighttime speed zones exist where panthers are known to frequently cross roads.
At the posted 45 mph speed limit, driving through a three-mile-long panther zone would only take an extra minute compared to traveling at 60 m.p.h. Driving like this gives you more time to react.
60 Seconds for Panthers
Education via Navigation
Everyone has a phone, and a map for that matter. Nowadays, getting somewhere is just as easy as entering a destination, and clicking "Go." One might even argue that road signs are obsolete.
As an intervention, digital road signs with interactive educational elements can alert the driver about wildlife in the area, and inform them about why its important to use extra caution and limit speeds to prevent mortalities, the most common form of death for the Florida Panther.
As an intervention, digital road signs with interactive educational elements can alert the driver about wildlife in the area, and inform them about why its important to use extra caution and limit speeds to prevent mortalities, the most common form of death for the Florida Panther.
Process
1. Data Sourcing
Crowd gathering information on human-wildlife encounters and geo-tracking through collars
2. NavigationAugmenting the current way-finding interface to include opportunities for data collection, education, and conservation
3. Education
Including real-time learning buttons for the entire family
4. Community
Allowing people to get involved by easily donating and engaging in digital twin experiences
Wayfinding features are easy to implement
