How can AI powered traffic cameras make our roads safer?

As technology has increasingly advanced the way we live and adapted our daily routines, there are some activities it hasn’t had much of an effect on, such as driving.

However, if AI was implemented on the roads and in cars, it could help to radically reduce the number of incidents on the road, making it safer for all. Approximately 2000 people a year die due to a road traffic accident, with around 24,000 people injured. The graph below indicates the number of car drivers killed & wounded in 2019 on UK roads.

(Image Source: Statista)

In all trueness, with the help of the technology we have today, these road traffic accidents could be preventable thanks to rapid developments in artificial intelligence. 

AI-powered traffic cameras in Australia are being upgraded. Existing smart cameras that are currently on their roads are used for picking up traffic offences, such as using a smartphone at the wheel. The AI installed in the cameras will help detect drives who are using their phone. Instead of issuing fines, drivers will be warned by a roadside display in real-time.

AI traffic cameras by FLIR, that are used in 75 different countries, help to use AI-based learning to optimise traffic flow continually. This type of technology could vastly improve some of the world’s most congested and populated areas. 

The AI cameras control traffic dynamically in real-time capturing data and processing it to provide input to traffic signal controllers, helping them better deal with challenging intersections. These changes suggested by the AI technology can help to improve traffic flow and safety of those who are using the roads and offer better insights.

The cameras can capture heat energy detected by thermal sensors present on the cameras thanks to AI technology. They can also see in low-light conditions in high definition thanks to seniors in the cameras. The cameras are able to interpret what is best for the roads in all weather conditions and even through smoke in tunnels, responding with solutions quickly.

Altogether, the AI able cameras can help better understand traffic and predict the outcome of dangers and challenges on the road. They can simultaneously help keep traffic moving and safe at the same time. 

The data generated from them will give mappers a good indication of where more safety precautions need to be implemented, such as adding traffic lights and crossings to make a living and moving around cities much more fluid. 

AI in cars

Currently, AI is being used in cars, as demonstrated in the graph below and even in Formula One and Nascar. The use of AI in motorsports allows companies to collect data on their drivers. The insight helps the team to make well-informed decisions, giving them a competitive edge over their rivals. AI helps to give metrics that can change a race around, but the technology also helps to keep drivers safe.

(Image Source: Intellias)

For example. AI can help drivers formulate better decisions about their next move by offering them intelligent insights. These include metrics and calculations when making hairpin bends on circuits and offering safety advice to go into a pit stop. But how can AI technology be integrated into our everyday cars to make roads and driving safer?

AI-powered Dashboard 

AI in cars has the ability to change user experiences within it, as well as helping to create safety. AI can power personalised cockpit infotainment systems with customised car settings that can connect to the latest technologies such as new smartphones that already boast AI technology. These settings learn the habits of the driver over time and offer recommendations whilst driving. 

Manufacturers are now looking at integrating their own in-car AI-powered virtual assistance, adding another layer of safety. This means manual tasks such as looking for directions and changing radio stations can be carried out via voice command. 

AI and Autonomous Driving 

AI is being used to help create and develop autonomous vehicles. The AI software installed into cars will be loaded with sensors and cameras, allowing the technology to understand what is happening in real-time. This type of technology could help save lives and make roads safer. 

For example, Tesla is one of the pioneering brands bringing automotive vehicles to the road, incorporating adaptive braking sensors that automatically applies breaks in the car to prevent any dangers, including crossing pedestrians or other vehicles.

AI has great potential for changing and making our roads safer and our communities safer. Some are not keen on AI technology being largely implemented in our world today as they feel it is an intrusion of their personal privacy. However, there is no denying that AI technology can help save lives, which should be the defending factor and at the forefront of the argument to put it in place.