Can Technology Make Roads Safer? Here's What You Need To Know

Every day, 3,700 people lose their lives on the road around the world, according to recent data by ASIRT. This makes for 1.35 million people dying yearly because of traffic accidents. But that’s not all; additionally, 20 to 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries that lead to a lifetime of disability. There is no doubt; these numbers need to change, soon.

In this scenario, how can technology help save lives and prevent accidents that can potentially be catastrophic for the millions injured every year? Let’s take a look at some of the initiatives that are trying to make roads safer for us all. Buckle up, because the future is already here, looking bright.

Smart Traffic Lights

Computer giant IBM has recently acquired patents for AI-managed traffic lights. This could potentially help in reducing the approximately 2.5 million yearly accidents happening at intersections. Indeed, IBM’s patented project involves AI-controlled cameras that, analyzing real-time traffic footage in every direction, calculate and decide optimal traffic patterns.

Moreover, according to IBM Master Inventor, Steve Hobson, the AI program by IBM could be considered a computerized version of a human controlling the traffic being able of making on-the-spot modifications based on data. For example, Hobson says, red traffic lights on deserted streets, elderly people or kids crossing, or people falling in an intersection could be contemplated and acted upon immediately.

AV Initiatives and Autodrive

Autonomous vehicles or AVs are the next thing in terms of safer traffic and calculated decisions. Indeed, the biggest names in the technology world are competing against each other in the race to be the first to launch autonomous vehicle systems that are safer than regular ones. In this sense, and while we all wait for Google’s technology that has been almost 15 years in the making, Tesla made some significant advancements, such as the their autopilot feature. According to the company, every Tesla car has the hardware and software needed to drive autonomously on short and long-distance trips. Moreover, according to a study performed by the NHTSA, the Tesla cars crash rate dropped by 40% after the autosteer feature was installed.

Telematics Save Lives

Current data shows that yearly, 20 to 50 million people who got injured and faced disability for life after a car crash needed to hire a catastrophic injury lawyer that could settle the legal aspect for them. In other words, the best we could do as a society was to deal with the aftermath, but what if we could now prevent them from happening? Such is the role telematics might have soon.

“Telematics” is the word formed by combining telecommunications and informatics. The application of this science to traffic can help lower the number of accidents drastically since, according to recent studies, 90% of the accidents in the US occur because of driver mistakes or negligence. Thus, a telematics system such as Verizon’s installed in a vehicle (could be a car, truck, bus, or any other) could gather enough data to train or coach drivers in their specific weaknesses. Moreover, big data analysis could be used to correct the behavior of an entire city or population. That way, by solving the most common issues, the accident rate because of human mistakes could be lowered drastically.

Next-Generation Tires

Bad tires cause 11,000 accidents every year, according to the NHTSA. Smart tires, designed by NASA to help rovers roll over the surface of other planets effortlessly, are back on Earth. Indeed, the acronym SMART stands for Shape Memory Alloy Radial Technology and it is used to denominate airless tires made with NiTinol+ (nickel and titanium) which are as flexible as rubber but as strong as titanium.

Various tech companies are looking for ways to solve today’s problems, creating a better future for us all. Road safety is among the most important topics for humans and reducing current accident numbers is a must. Although there is a long way to go still, some of these companies are solving problems humans have had for centuries while turning our roads into safer places.

Featured Photo by Mike from Pexels