LETTERS: ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is revolutionising driving, leading to a future with few or no accidents.
Intelligent cars that use sensors, cameras and software algorithms have reduced cases of human error through their capability to analyse huge amounts of data in a split second.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 1.35 million people die due to motor vehicle crashes annually. AI can make a difference by preventing collisions and lessening their severity.
In Malaysia, 915,874 road accidents were recorded in 2021 and 2022, said the Transport Ministry.
Based on the data, there were 545,588 road accidents in 2022, with 6,080 deaths; and 370,286 road accidents in 2021 with 4,539 deaths.
A study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) showed that human behaviour was the primary cause of accidents, followed by the condition of roads and vehicles.
AI can play a pivotal role in reducing crashes.
One application involves predictive analytics, where AI algorithms analyse historical accident data, traffic patterns and environmental factors to identify and anticipate accident-prone areas.
This information can be used to deploy resources such as law enforcement or road maintenance crew to high-risk zones and thus prevent accidents.
Smart traffic management systems powered by AI can optimise traffic flow.
By adjusting traffic signals based on real-time data, this can reduce congestion and, consequently, lower the likelihood of accidents.
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 dangers and, in some cases, enable them to take corrective action autonomously.
Furthermore, the vehicle-to-everything communication facilitated by AI enables real-time exchange of information between vehicles, infrastructure and pedestrians to avoid collisions, particularly at intersections, by providing warnings and alerts to drivers and pedestrians.
Behavioural analysis and monitoring through AI can assess driver behaviour too.
Identifying patterns associated with risky driving allows for targeted interventions, such as providing feedback to drivers and insurers, and encouraging safer driving habits.
Emergency-response optimisation is another area where AI can make an impact.
AI algorithms can predict accident severity, enabling quicker dispatch of resources for emergency response.
AI-powered surveillance systems can monitor road conditions and infrastructure in real time to detect potholes or road damage, which can lead to faster repairs.
In terms of education and training, AI-based simulations and programmes can provide tools for driver education.
Virtual reality and AI technologies allow drivers to experience and learn from hazardous situations in a controlled environment.
A strategy that integrates these AI applications with policies, public awareness campaigns and law enforcement efforts is crucial.
Collaborative efforts between government agencies, the private sector and technology developers can ensure the implementation and sustainability of these initiatives, contributing to the reduction of vehicle accidents and fatalities.
DR MANJIT SINGH SIDHU
Professor, College of Computing and Informatics,
Universiti Tenaga Nasional
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times