How A.I. Can Promote Vision Zero

Forget self-driving cars—some low-cost artificial intelligence tools can improve traffic safety now.

2 minute read

April 21, 2022, 11:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Although autonomous vehicles frequently steal the media spotlight, Tanya Mohn argues that there are more practical, immediate ways to use artificial intelligence to improve traffic safety. As Mohn writes, “Artificial intelligence is already being used to enhance driving safety: cellphone apps that monitor behavior behind the wheel and reward safe drivers with perks and connected vehicles that communicate with each other and with road infrastructure.”

According to David Ward, president of the Global New Car Assessment Program, there are several “beneficial, low-cost, intermediate technologies that are available now. A prime example is intelligent speed assistance, or I.S.A., which uses A.I. to manage a car’s speed via in-vehicle cameras and maps,” a technology that will soon be mandatory in the European Union.

Other technologies include cameras that can assess distracted driving behavior, allowing law enforcement to see whether a driver is holding a phone below the dashboard, for example. Some transportation and city officials see A.I. as a tool that can further Vision Zero goals. Data gathered and analyzed using A.I. tools can help transportation planners understand traffic patterns and anticipate trends. And while some see speed cameras as a discriminatory revenue grab, others believe automated traffic enforcement can reduce potentially violent interactions with law enforcement and save lives by reducing crashes.

“Not everyone is sold on a reliance on computer learning. Mr. Ward, of the Global New Car Assessment Program, said humans still outperform artificial intelligence.” Additionally, “As with many A.I. innovations, the technology also raises privacy issues.” Policymakers looking to use A.I. to improve traffic safety will have to balance the benefits of the technology with privacy and liberty concerns.

Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

April 25 - Governing