Texas is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) in an attempt to make our entire transportation system safer and more efficient. The Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan is a sprawling, multi-faceted initiative to harness the power of AI. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) believes it can use AI responsibly to accomplish its goals.
Top Priorities for TxDOT in Using AI
Designing the optimal transportation infrastructure for a large and growing state like Texas is no simple task. Collecting and organizing traffic and accident data is a Herculean effort. Properly analyzing that data to reach the best possible solutions may require more than even a very committed group of people can accomplish.
TxDOT intends to use AI to analyze all the collected roadway data, including things like pavement metrics and signage to utility projects and safety hazards. As a result, it can help with data-driven decision-making.
In addition, AI can be used to improve the process of inspecting bridges and predicting when maintenance or repair will be necessary to maintain safety. AI can inform and improve TxDOT efforts to boost safety and improve the flow of traffic. Overall, it can streamline TxDOT efforts to maintain and improve roadways in countless ways.
The idea is not to turn control over the transportation system to artificial intelligence. Human oversight and accountability must be maintained. It’s a powerful tool, but it cannot replace human judgment.
Training and Coordination
Using AI effectively is not an intuitive skill. To maximize the benefits of using AI, TxDOT has included training for its personnel. In addition to the training initiative, TxDOT created the AI and Automation Community of Practice. This group exists to help staff members get answers to their questions and share the ways AI is working for them.
The three-year plan includes a host of ideas about what AI can do to improve the experience of Texas drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Perhaps just as importantly, it also includes efforts to save money and help TxDOT carry out its responsibilities more efficiently.
Proactive and Reactive
Planning and infrastructure are major pieces of what AI can do. AI can also help in situations where things have already gone wrong. It can help with things like wrong-way driver alerts, weather-related warnings and road closure recommendations. Hardly any function performed by TxDOT couldn’t be improved by artificial intelligence.
A Texas Personal Injury Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
Eliminating or reducing car accidents is a worthy goal. These accidents result in the tragic loss of life every day. Those injured can have their lives changed in countless ways. Physical pain, loss of function, inability to work, medical bills and more can turn a life upside down.
At The Fell Law Firm, our skilled team works to protect accident victims. If you’ve been injured in a Texas car accident, call us now at 972-450-1418 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
