By: Prof. Ts. Dr. Manjit Singh Sidhu
Feeling worn out from the constant stress of navigating today’s roads? Well, the future of road safety is undergoing a major transformation, with artificial intelligence technology (AI). The future of driving lies in artificial intelligence (AI), guaranteeing safe travel than humanity have ever known. This article examines how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing driving, leading to a future with few or no accidents at all.
Road safety has been revolutionized by the fast-changing landscape of artificial intelligence in the auto industry. Vehicles are now incorporating AI technologies to elevate the safety standards of driving. The intelligent systems become increasingly complex leading motor vehicles to drive with automatic wheels, recognizing possible risks, and instantaneous guidance to the motorists. Thanks to the development of artificial intelligence, the distant dream of self-driven cars has become a reality now.
These intelligent cars use sensors, cameras, and sophisticated software algorithms to drive them self without a human intervention in road. These systems have tremendously reduced incidences associated with human error through their extraordinary capability to analyze huge amounts of data in a split-second.
One major component of this rise with regards to the automotive industry involving AI is the promise of improving road safety. The world health organization estimates that close to around 1.35 million people die due to motor vehicle crashes annually. The incorporation of AI technology in vehicles holds the potential to make a substantial difference by actively preventing collisions and lessening their severity.
In Malaysia, some 915,874 road accidents were recorded throughout 2021 and 2022, says the Transport Ministry. Based on the data, there were 545,588 road accidents in 2022, with 6,080 deaths (1.1%) and 370,286 accidents in 2021 with 4,539 deaths (1.23%).
A study conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) revealed that human behaviour is the primary cause of road accidents, followed by factors such as the design and condition of road infrastructure, as well as the condition of vehicles.
Addressing the increasing cases of fatalities and accidents in Malaysia requires a multifaceted approach, and artificial intelligence (AI) can play a pivotal role in enhancing road safety. One key application involves predictive analytics, where AI algorithms analyse historical accident data, traffic patterns, and environmental factors to identify and predict accident-prone areas. This information can be used strategically to deploy resources such as law enforcement or road maintenance to high-risk zones, preventing accidents before they occur.
In addition, smart traffic management systems powered by AI can optimize traffic flow dynamically. By adjusting traffic signals based on real-time data, these systems can reduce congestion and, consequently, lower the likelihood of accidents. Integrating adaptive traffic management can be instrumental in responding to changing conditions on the roads.
AI-driven driver assistance systems offer another layer of safety. Features like lane departure warnings, collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control can alert drivers to potential dangers and, in some cases, take corrective actions autonomously. These technologies contribute to preventing accidents and mitigating their severity.
Furthermore, the implementation of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, facilitated by AI, enables real-time exchange of information between vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians. This communication helps in avoiding collisions, particularly at intersections, by providing timely warnings and alerts to drivers and pedestrians.
Behavioural analysis and monitoring through AI can be employed to assess driver behaviour by analysing data collected from vehicles. Identifying patterns associated with risky driving allows for targeted interventions, such as providing feedback to drivers and insurers, ultimately encouraging safer driving habits.
Emergency response optimization is another area where AI can make a significant impact. AI algorithms can predict accident severity, enabling quicker dispatch of appropriate resources for emergency response. This timely assistance can reduce the impact of accidents and enhance overall road safety.
Moreover, AI-powered surveillance systems can monitor road conditions and infrastructure in real-time. Early detection of issues such as potholes or road damage can lead to faster repairs, addressing potential accident triggers caused by poor road conditions.
In terms of education and training, AI-based simulations and programs can provide effective tools for driver education. Virtual reality and AI technologies can create realistic scenarios for training, allowing drivers to experience and learn from potentially hazardous situations in a controlled environment.
Ultimately, a comprehensive strategy that integrates these AI applications with effective policies, public awareness campaigns, and law enforcement efforts is crucial. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, the private sector, and technology developers can ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of these initiatives, contributing significantly to the reduction of vehicle accidents and fatalities in Malaysia.
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The author is a Professor at the College of Computing and Informatics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Fellow of the British Computer Society, Chartered IT Professional, Fellow of the Malaysian Scientific Association, Senior IEEE member and Professional Technologist MBOT Malaysia. He may be reached at manjit@uniten.edu.my
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