AI on the Road: How Tech is Fixing Our Crumbling Highways

States Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Safer Roads

Across the country, states are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to tackle road safety issues. This cutting-edge technology helps identify problems such as potholes and damaged guardrails, enabling faster and more efficient repairs.

Hawaii: Free Dashboard Cameras for Drivers

In Hawaii, officials are distributing free dashboard cameras to drivers. These cameras utilize AI to inspect guardrails, road signs, and pavement markings. The primary objective is to curb the rising number of traffic fatalities, which reached 106 in 2025, surpassing the previous year's figures.

The cameras are adept at distinguishing between minor issues and critical problems that require immediate attention. This allows maintenance crews to be dispatched promptly. The program is particularly crucial in Hawaii, where challenging terrain and logistical hurdles make road maintenance a complex task.

San Jose, California: AI-Powered Street Sweepers and Parking Enforcement Vehicles

San Jose, California, has achieved remarkable success with AI. By equipping street sweepers and parking enforcement vehicles with cameras, the city identified potholes with an impressive 97% accuracy rate. The city is now expanding this initiative to additional vehicles.

Texas: AI Cameras and Cellphone Data for Enhanced Safety

Texas, boasting the most roadway lane miles in the U.S., is employing AI cameras and cellphone data to bolster safety. This approach helps pinpoint outdated street signs in need of replacement. AI facilitates the swift identification and rectification of these issues.

Cambridge Mobile Telematics: Identifying Risky Driving Behavior

Not all AI solutions rely on cameras. Cambridge Mobile Telematics uses cellphone data to detect risky driving behavior, helping to identify specific road conditions that pose dangers. For instance, a bush obstructing a stop sign was discovered using this system. The solution? A simple pair of garden shears.

The Future of AI in Road Safety

Experts believe that AI is just the beginning. In the future, nearly every new vehicle, whether driven or driverless, will come equipped with cameras. This advancement will further enhance road safety.