How can I detect tires in highway footage?

I want to use MatLab to detect tires in images form video filmed alongside highways. Is there a simple way to use edge detection or make a mask of a tire and use that mask to find tires in other images? I have tried using the find circles function after using some image processing functions, but this does not work for each video I have. Below is a sample image:

Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

[Image Analyst]

That would be very challenging since the tires are all different shapes and sizes. You'd be better off if you could aim your camera perpendicular to the road and look for wheel or hubcaps rather than tires.

[Jesse Schettler]

What if I look at every vehicle in the same position? If I stop each vehicle where the black SUV in the front is, would that help the tires/wheels maintain a more constant shape and size?

[Image Analyst]

Yes, it would.