As governments seek ways to achieve their goal of halving road deaths by 2030, one emerging solution is using artificial intelligence (AI) technology in smart road signs to effectively monitor traffic patterns and guide drivers.
The National Highways Authority of India recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Delhi's Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) for a project to increase the number and quality of road signs on highways and use AI to improve safety and real-time traffic management.
IIIT-Delhi will conduct a survey to collect imagery and other relevant data on availability and condition of road signs on selected stretches of National Highways (NHs) spanning a total length of approximately 25,000 km. The data will be processed using AI for identification and classification of road signs. The survey report will include a geo-stamped inventory of existing signs classified, high-level details on their structural condition and other details.
A “gap study” will also be carried out to assess any discrepancies between the survey results and road signage requirements stipulated in the road development contract agreement, and to map the requirements as per the latest regulatory provisions for high speed rail corridors to improve safety.
Intelligent Signage
Properly installed road signs improve highway safety by providing drivers with clear, consistent and timely information. Road signs serve as important communication tools to inform drivers of road conditions, guide them on re-routing and warn of potential hazards.
As part of an intelligent traffic system, road signs can continuously monitor drivers, vehicles and roads, helping ensure smooth movement of vehicles and goods, especially given India's rapidly expanding road network and vehicle population.
Road signs reduce accidents by providing advance warning of key points such as curves, intersections, crosswalks and speed limits, explains Prajwal Misra, director at Rudrabhishek Infosystems, a company that provides end-to-end consulting for a wide range of urban development and infrastructure projects.
Secondly, it helps manage traffic efficiently. Moreover, standardized road signs ensure uniformity across the highway network, which is especially beneficial for drivers travelling long distances across state lines, he says.
He explains that by analysing vast amounts of traffic data collected from cameras, sensors and GPS devices, AI and geographic information systems (GIS) can help improve road transport-related services. Machine learning algorithms can predict traffic patterns, identify high-risk areas and recommend the most effective locations for road signs.
“For example, AI can detect accident-prone locations and suggest installing warning or speed limit signs at those locations. Moreover, AI-driven systems can continuously monitor the condition of road signs using image recognition technology and automatically identify signs that are broken, unclear or missing and generate maintenance alerts,” he says.
GIS, on the other hand, provides a spatial dimension to traffic management by mapping the entire highway network and integrating various data layers such as traffic flow, accident hotspots, and road infrastructure.
“Spatial analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of where road signs are most needed and how to maximise their effectiveness. GIS also facilitates the simulation of traffic scenarios, helping authorities predict the impact new road signs will have on traffic trends,” he says.
AI and Road Safety
Highlighting the role of AI in predictive analytics for road safety, Misra said that by analysing historical data on traffic patterns, weather conditions and accident reports, AI can identify high-risk areas and different times when accidents are more likely to occur.
“This information allows authorities to implement targeted safety measures, such as installing additional signs, improving road lighting or increasing patrols in the area. Predictive analytics can also help develop preventative maintenance schedules for road infrastructure, ensuring potential hazards such as potholes or deteriorated road markings are addressed before they lead to accidents,” he says.
Smart Sign
A smart traffic management system on the NH can create an interconnected mechanism where road signs, traffic signals, and real-time data analytics work together to manage traffic more efficiently.
“One of the main ways smart traffic signs reduce congestion is by optimizing traffic flow. Traditional, static signs provide fixed information that is not necessarily relevant to current traffic conditions. In contrast, smart signs readjust their messaging in real time, directing drivers to alternative routes if there is congestion, road works or an accident ahead. This distributes traffic more evenly across the network, preventing bottlenecks and improving overall journey times,” Misra says.
