India integrates AI-Powered technology into road systems.

India holds the unfortunate distinction of being one of the countries with the highest rates of traffic accidents globally. Further, highlighting urgent need for nationwide road safety initiatives. Yearly, India records approximately 500,000 road accidents, resulting in a staggering 150,000 fatalities. These figures rank among the highest worldwide.

Moreover, Government data indicates that 35% of all road accidents and 84% of total road accidents involve individuals aged 18 to 60. Amidst the rapid strides in technology, the evolution of transportation is embracing a revolutionary aspect: the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into road systems. In India, renowned for its dynamic traffic dynamics. Additionally, this transformative technology is being warmly embraced to engineer safer roads for its drivers. Let’s explore how India is leveraging AI-Powered transportation to reshape the very concept of road safety.

How Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help in making the Indian roads safe?

In the age of rapid technological advancements, the evolution of transportation is taking on an exciting new dimension – the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our road systems. Moreover, India known for its dynamic traffic scenarios, is embracing this transformative technology to create safer roads for its drivers. Let’s delve into how India is using AI in transportation to redefine the concept of road safety.

• Obstacle Recognition and Hazard Alerts:

AI systems utilize data from sensors and cameras to identify potential obstacles or hazards, offering real-time alerts to drivers. This proactive approach aids in avoiding collisions and mitigating potential accidents. AI doesn’t just respond to real-time data – it anticipates future scenarios. By analyzing historical accident data, AI can pinpoint high-risk areas and propose targeted safety interventions. Moreover, vehicles equipped with AI can receive updates on changing conditions like sudden rain or fog. This proactive approach empowers drivers to adapt their behavior and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):

These systems incorporate AI to provide a comprehensive range of safety features. From lane departure warnings to adaptive cruise control, ADAS leverages AI algorithms to enhance the driver’s situational awareness and overall driving experience.

• Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS):

AI-powered DMS continuously tracks the driver’s state. It can detect signs of drowsiness, fatigue, or distraction, issuing timely warnings to ensure the driver remains attentive and engaged.

• Telematics for Fleet Management:

  Smart fleet telematics systems merge vehicle data with road conditions. Through AI analysis, they assess the driving behavior of fleet drivers. Moreover, helping companies monitor and enhance safety standards for their vehicles and drivers.

• Autonomous Driving :

  The advent of autonomous vehicles (AVs) has the potential to revolutionize road safety. AI serves as the brain behind AVs, enabling them to make split-second decisions based on the environment. These vehicles use sophisticated algorithms to detect obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles, responding faster than human reflexes. India has incorporated the AI-powered AVs that could significantly reduce human errors, the primary cause of many accidents.

AI based initiatives in India for enhancing road safety

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has initiated a pilot project using AI-based technology in Nagpur. The technology deployed in Nagpur has the objective of recognizing locations prone to road accidents. Further, the initiative will incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence into the national highway safety frameworks. Authorities also intend to implement digital construction, where machines interpret design drawings in the field through sensors.

Additionally, the government has launched an Advanced Traffic Monitoring System (ATMS) on the Delhi-Meerut Eastern Peripheral expressway, with plans to extend this technology to all national highways. This system captures license plate numbers, detects discrepancies in vehicle documentation, and monitors traffic rule violations.

Prominent research institutions in the country are actively developing and deploying tech-driven solutions to mitigate road accidents. In the recent past, the Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar (IIT-Ropar) crafted an algorithm utilizing machine learning and computer vision to detect driver drowsiness. The algorithm employs computer vision to extract facial features such as eye closure and yawning, coupled with machine learning techniques for effective driver alertness detection.

KSRTC Announcement

Furthermore, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) announced plans to incorporate AI-based technologies for enhancing road safety in buses. The corporation initiated a tender for an AI-powered Collision Warning System (CWS) and Driver Drowsiness System (DDS) to be deployed in 1,044 buses. The CWS encompasses features like forward-looking collision warnings (FLCW), lane departure warnings (LDW), and a virtual bumper, supplemented by real-time alerts. This marks a significant step as it’s perhaps the first instance of a state-run bus corporation employing technology on a large scale to mitigate accidents, with other state-run bus corporations also poised to follow suit.

In August of the preceding year, the Indian Institute of Technology in Mandi (IIT-Mandi) engineered a smart road monitoring system designed to avert accidents arising from sharp or blind turns. This system employs sensors to detect parameters like speed, direction, gradient of the slope, and vehicle type. It then signals the driver about forthcoming turns, a strategy designed to prevent accidents caused by poor maneuvering.

Conclusion

AI is transcending traditional limitations and bringing about a new era of road safety. As India continues to embrace and invest in AI-powered solutions, the potential to significantly reduce accidents, save lives, and streamline traffic management becomes increasingly tangible. By fostering collaboration between technology developers, policymakers, and the public, India has the opportunity to not only revolutionize road safety at home but also set an inspiring example for the global community. With AI as a steadfast ally, the vision of accident-free roads and seamless mobility is steadily becoming a reality on India’s streets.