Artificial intelligence is fueling advances in driverless vehicle technology. With thousands of cars already on the road in pilot programs here in the U.S., it would seem that the future is not now, but certainly very soon. However, while these technological advances are used to operate vehicles, they are also being used to help traffic officials and drivers predict and respond to motor vehicle accidents.
Recognizing accidents faster
According to reports in local news, the Nevada Highway Patrol is working in partnership with Waycare to reduce accidents along Interstate-15 just west of the Las Vegas strip. A provider of intelligence-based services and products to smart cities, Waycare’s program uses data collected from in-vehicle technology like sensors and cameras as well as conventional traffic data collection methods to respond in real time.
By quickly anticipating and thus reducing congestion, the hope is that the program reduces the number of crashes. The yearlong program spurred a 17 percent drop in accidents within the pilot area, with partners planning to expand to other areas of the city.
Informing drivers on the road
The pilot has also overseen an average of 12-minute reduction in response time to crash sites. Once the crash is identified, the program uses message boards to warn other drivers to slow down and watch for the upcoming hazard. Because law enforcement is notified faster, it can respond more quickly to provide additional traffic control and offer a safety barrier to the crash site.
Human drivers still need to be careful
Most of us will continue to drive our cars for some time, which means that drivers will need to continue to drive with caution. If a crash does occur, it may be advisable to contact a personal injury lawyer with motor vehicle accident experience. They can provide guidance on how to seek compensation for injuries, property damage and loss of income.
Some have complained about the slow rate of progress for driverless vehicles in New Mexico. However, the AI technology provides hope for improvements in safety for all drivers.
