AI technology detects near misses in West Midlands road safety pilot

Near misses between drivers and pedestrians are being identified using artificial intelligence (AI) technology as part of a region-wide pilot scheme aimed at improving road safety and saving lives.

Richard Parker, West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor, has revealed how the region is investing in AI-powered vision sensors capable of detecting and recording near misses between vehicles and pedestrians or cyclists. This allows potential collision hotspots to be identified before accidents occur.

Using technology from VivaCity, Coventry now has 40 sensors equipped with Smart Road Safety and Near Miss technology. These sensors can estimate collision risks between road users. Previously, highway planners relied on data from collisions that had already happened when deciding where to install safe crossings or speed reduction measures.

The project has already garnered attention from the Department for Transport, receiving an award in October for its innovative use of technology.

Mat MacDonald, the Mayor’s dedicated road safety commissioner, said: “Acting pre-emptively at danger hotspots to tackle speeds, reduce the volume of traffic and improve physical protections for the most vulnerable road users will without doubt reduce deaths and serious injuries in collisions, which must be our overarching focus.”

These AI near-miss sensors complement the Regional Road Safety Action Plan’s wider crackdown on dangerous driving, alongside other initiatives such as increased funding for additional staff to review speed camera and dash cam footage.

Image source: Pixabay