Not long ago, self-driving cars were a concept of the distant future, along with the idea of self-driving cars eliminating nearly all road-related accidents. However, that concept came to life and widespread in just years after, with automobile companies like Teslas putting that technology in the hands of millions. None of this would have been possible without artificial intelligence (AI) as it uses real-time data from cameras around the vehicle to determine the next moves. Within self-driving cars are hundreds of other tools that keep the passengers safe and assist in getting the car to its final destination which all allow passengers to avoid collisions. In 2023, Tesla reported that for every million miles driven with Full Self-Driving, the accident rate was 0.18 while the US’s average was 1.53 per million miles.

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)

As cars become more advanced, they are increasingly equipped with sensors, cameras, and other devices. These technologies, integrated with AI algorithms, form the core of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), a crucial development in vehicle safety. Nearly 94% of all automobile accidents occur because of human error (drowsy driving, decision errors, performance errors), most of which can be eliminated by ADAS as it consists of numerous systems, the most notable of which are collision avoidance, lane assist, and adaptive cruise control. 

Collision avoidance detects potential obstructions and hazards where it can relay warnings to the driver or avoid the collision by itself. AI utilizes the real-time data obtained from sensors and cameras to interpret and predict what is ahead. According to studies, collision avoidance systems have reduced collision risk by nearly 25%, and automatic emergency braking systems can reduce rear-end crashes by 38%.

For nearly every driver, accidentally drifting off a lane is bound to happen. Lane assists cameras and AI in monitoring the vehicle’s position in a lane. When the car drifts, lane assists may gently steer the vehicle back or provide an alert for the driver. Nearly 328,000 crashes occur because of drowsy driving, a large percent of which were due to lane drifting. With lane assist, the number of crashes due to lane drifting is significantly reduced. 

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) keeps automobiles at a safe distance from other vehicles around them, matching the appropriate speed. This not only provides safety for drivers but also allows drivers to have a relaxed driving experience. ACC assists in eliminating nearly all human error, preventing future accidents with quicker, more accurate responses.

Monitoring and behavior analysis

With the introduction of cameras and sensors inside vehicles, monitoring drivers’ behaviors and states can enhance safety for all. Using monitoring systems, AI utilizes interior cameras and sensors that can detect signs of various driver states, such as fatigue, distraction, and impairment.

An estimated 328,000 crashes occur annually due to fatigue. Driver monitoring systems using AI algorithms can detect early signs of drowsiness, such as prolonged eyelid closure, increased blinking, and head swaying. If detected, it can alert the driver to take rest/breaks and provide corrective measures, such as staying in a lane. 

13% of all car accidents occur due to distracted drivers (nearly 1.6 million occur annually just due to cellphone usage). Using cameras and AI to monitor the usage of cellphones and in-car systems, in addition to eye-tracking to observe if drivers are focusing on the road, can help further improve car safety. Providing real-time alerts can assist drivers in refocusing, preventing future crashes. 

32% of all car fatalities occur due to impaired driving (drunk driving, drugged driving, or other factors), nearly 32 people die a day due to impaired driving. AI can aid in remedying impaired driving. Analyzing steering patterns, response times, behaviors, and possession of alcohol or drugs, monitoring systems can alert drivers or take emergency advances if necessary, such as notifying authorities or preventing drivers from turning on the car. Monitoring these factors can significantly reduce car fatalities due to impaired driving, creating a safer driving environment for all.

Wrapping Up

With the advent of AI in vehicles, along with cameras and sensors, car systems provide a safer, and more relaxed, driving environment for drivers, passengers, and others in the environment. Preventing car crashes altogether may take a while, but with the advancements currently implemented, it may come a lot sooner than we expect.