India has the highest number of road accident fatalities in the world. There were more than 155,600 fatalities on India’s roads in 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. According to the "Road Accidents in India-2022” report, a total of 4,61,312 road accidents were reported by States and Union Territories (UTs) during the calendar year 2022, which claimed 1,68,491 lives and caused injuries to 4,43,366 persons. This marks an increase of 11.9 percent in accidents, 9.4 percent in fatalities, and 15.3 percent in injuries compared to the previous year.

 

Recognising the potential of technology to mitigate this crisis, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state transport department officials to increase the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to minimise road accidents in the state. This important initiative, bolstered by an agreement with Google, reflects a growing global trend of integrating AI to improve road safety, prevent accidents and save precious lives. 

 

A total of 15,224 people died in 33,383 road accidents in Maharashtra in 2022, a 13 percent rise compared to 2021, with two-wheeler and three-wheeler occupants accounting for 54 percent of the deaths. Of the 33,383 accidents, 9,418 occurred on the national highways, while state highways registered 6,902 accidents. Most of the accidents were caused by various behavioural risks of motorists, such as speeding, drunk driving, incorrect or no helmet use, no seatbelt use, and no child restraints.

 

AI Applications in Road Safety

 

Artificial Intelligence can transform road safety through:

1. Crash Prediction and Prevention

2. Driver Monitoring Systems

3. Traffic Management

4. Incident Response

5. Predictive analytics

6. Real-time monitoring

7. Automated interventions

Global Examples of AI in Road Safety

1. Sweden’s Vision Zero Initiative

2. Singapore’s Smart Mobility Approach

3. United States AI-Driven Traffic Enforcement
   
   

Challenges and Considerations

While AI holds immense promise for road safety, its deployment faces several challenges:

1. Data Quality and Availability

2. Infrastructure Readiness

3. Ethical and Privacy Concerns

4. Capacity Building

Policy Recommendations

To maximise the impact of AI on road safety, Maharashtra should consider:

1. Collaborative Frameworks

2. Regulatory Support

3. Pilot Projects 

4. Knowledge Sharing

Conclusion

Maharashtra’s initiative to leverage AI for road safety is a step in the right direction. By embracing AI technology in transportation, the state can significantly reduce road accidents, strengthen safety, save lives and enhance transportation sustainability. Drawing lessons from global examples, embracing best practices and addressing implementation challenges will be key to the initiative’s success. In India, several other states also use AI to address road safety concerns. Bengaluru has implemented BATCS across 165 intersections. Using sensors and AI algorithms, the system monitors vehicle volumes and adjusts signal timings dynamically, significantly reducing delays and saving time for people. Chandigarh has deployed over 2,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras capable of autonomously detecting and recording traffic violations. Kolkata Police uses AI-based algorithms to calculate queue times at intersections, dynamically adjusting signal timings.

 

As India moves toward a technology-driven future, Maharashtra’s efforts can serve as a model for other states to make their roads safer by efficiently utilising AI technology. India stands at the cusp of a mobility revolution driven by AI technology. With continued investment and innovation, the dream of traffic-free, efficient urban living and enhanced ease of living could soon become a reality for crores of people.