Artificial Intelligence in Traffic Safety: Revolutionizing Accident Prevention?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming traffic safety by shifting from reactive measures to proactive prevention. By leveraging real-time data, predictive analytics, and smart infrastructure, AI can identify risks, forecast collisions, and optimize road networks, ultimately paving the way for safer urban mobility.
Predictive Analytics: Anticipating Risks with Precision
AI models harness historical and real-time data sources such as —crash records, traffic patterns, weather conditions, and road geometry—to identify high-risk areas. Key approaches include:
Correlation analysis ties road design flaws (e.g., sharp curves, poorly lit intersections) to crash probabilities, guiding infrastructure upgrades[1][9].
Surrogate safety metrics, such as near-misses or abrupt braking, enable proactive identification of danger zones without relying solely on past crashes[1][14].
Advanced hybrid models, combining decision trees and neural networks, achieve 85–90% accuracy in predicting collisions by analyzing spatial, temporal, and environmental data[2][6][17].
These insights allow cities to prioritize interventions like anti-skid pavements, dynamic speed limits, or enhanced signage, reducing accidents by up to 15% in pilot programs[4][15].
Real-Time Monitoring and Rapid Response
AI processes live feeds from cameras, IoT sensors, and connected vehicles to detect and mitigate risks instantly:
PREDISS (Predictive Intersection Safety System) uses trajectory analysis to predict pedestrian-vehicle conflicts at intersections, which account for 25% of U.S. traffic fatalities[7][19].
Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) identify anomalies like wrong-way driving and optimize signal timings[5][10].
AI-GIS integration cuts emergency response times by 20–25% by predicting crash hotspots[6][13].
AI is redefining traffic safety with predictive, real-time, and adaptive solutions. As cities embrace these technologies, the vision of zero traffic fatalities becomes more attainable.
