Could AI (artificial intelligence) reduce crashes and enhance transportation management? Possibly. Imagine this: technology predicts the movement and patterns of vehicles and adjusts traffic signals to reduce congestion. Of course, this is only one example. There are so many ways to use AI to help with transportation. Let’s explore a few.
At the end of last year, a team of researchers at Virginia Tech wrote a report that explores the benefits and implementations of AI in departments of transportation at the state and local levels. AI can help in transportation in two essential ways: improve road safety/reduce accidents and enhance transportation efficiency.
Here are key areas departments are looking to integrate AI:
- Traffic management
- Safety
- Mobility
- Asset management
- Infrastructure
- Multimodal transportation
- Pavement
Still, the challenge remains: there is a lack of understanding about AI technology and there is also a lack of an experienced workforce, which are two hurdles that could continue to stand in the way. This research—and other research likely to come—could help open up new opportunities. If we get this right, we can use technology to help reduce crashes and improve traffic management.
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