kuala lumpur: Artificial intelligence (AI) could play a vital role in enhancing road safety in Malaysia and addressing the rising number of road fatalities, says Manjit from the Faculty of Computing and Information Studies at Tenaga National University. Professor Singh Sidhu said.
He said AI is being used as part of a multi-pronged approach to mitigating car accidents in the country, with key applications including predictive analytics, where AI algorithms can be used to analyze historical case data, It analyzes traffic patterns and environmental factors to identify and predict the likelihood of collisions occurring in areas.
“This information can be used strategically to deploy resources such as law enforcement and road maintenance to high-risk zones and prevent accidents before they occur,” he said.
Citing Ministry of Transport records, Manjit said there were 545,588 road accidents and 6,080 deaths in 2022, and 370,286 accidents and 4,539 deaths in 2021.
“Research by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety also revealed that human behavior is the main cause of road accidents, followed by factors such as the design and condition of road infrastructure and vehicle condition.”
He said the rapidly changing AI environment is revolutionizing road safety, with vehicles incorporating the technology to improve driving safety standards and even becoming driverless.
Some vehicles are also able to recognize possible risks and provide immediate guidance to the driver.
“Thanks to advances in AI, the distant dream of self-driving cars is now a reality. These intelligent vehicles use sensors, cameras, and advanced software algorithms to drive themselves on the road without human intervention. To do.
“Because this system can instantly analyze vast amounts of data, we have significantly reduced crashes related to human error.”
Manjit said the main factor in the rise of the AI-powered auto industry is the potential for improved road safety.
“The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 1.35 million people die each year in car crashes worldwide. Incorporating AI technology into vehicles can proactively prevent crashes and reduce their severity. It can make a big difference.”
Manjit said smart traffic management systems powered by AI could also optimize traffic flow.
“Adjusting traffic lights based on real-time data can reduce congestion and therefore reduce the likelihood of traffic accidents, while integrating adaptive traffic management can change road conditions. Masu.”
He said AI driver assistance systems offer new safety benefits, with features such as lane departure warning, collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control that can alert drivers to potential hazards.
Manjit said the implementation of AI-powered vehicle-to-vehicle communications will enable real-time information exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians, and that such communications can provide timely warnings, especially at intersections. He added that this will help avoid collisions.
AI behavioral analysis and monitoring can also be used to assess driver behavior by analyzing data from the vehicle.
“Identifying patterns associated with risky driving allows for targeted interventions, such as providing feedback to drivers and insurance companies, ultimately promoting safer driving habits.”
Manjit said optimizing emergency response is another area where AI can have a significant impact on road safety.
He said AI algorithms can predict the severity of an incident and enable the rapid dispatch of appropriate resources for emergency response. Such timely assistance reduces the impact of collisions and improves overall road safety.
“Ultimately, Malaysia needs a comprehensive strategy that integrates all these AI applications with effective policies, public awareness campaigns, and law enforcement efforts.
“A collaborative effort between government agencies, the private sector and technology developers will ensure the implementation and sustainability of these initiatives, making a significant contribution to reducing motor vehicle accidents and fatalities in Malaysia. .”
