Every year in the UK, thousands of people are killed or injured on public roads. Slowly but surely, however, the numbers are moving in the right direction. In the 1980s, there were more than five thousand road deaths per year; today, the figure is closer to one thousand.
This trend has been driven by legal and cultural changes, but also by new technologies. But how might the latest tech make life on the road even safer?
AI-Powered Enforcement and Smart Cameras
Speed cameras are getting more sophisticated. While it’s possible for a camera to detect speeding relatively cheaply, certain problem behaviours, like distraction, a lack of seat belt, or mobile phone use, can be difficult to spot.
For this reason, trials of AI-powered cameras are being set up around the UK, most notably on the A361 Frome Bypass. These cameras are capable not just of capturing images, but also of analysing them en masse. This should make it easier to punish lawbreakers, and to ultimately drive down fatalities and road accidents.
Dashcams and Digital Evidence in Accident Resolution
There are also bottom-up technological trends that empower the motorist to demonstrate what was going on shortly before an accident occurs. The emergence of the dashboard camera has helped to dramatically reduce ‘crash-for-cash’ scams, and alleviate pressure on the court system.
If you’re involved in a crash, dashcam recordings can make a big difference. They’ll not only establish fault in a way that’s fast and reliable, but bolster car accident claims with concrete, timestamped evidence. You might not feel that you need one in your car – until you do. Make sure that you get yours installed before this happens.
Self-Driving and Automated Vehicle Technologies
Of course, we should also consider the possibility that human drivers will be taken out of the picture altogether. The cars of the future might be able to drive themselves without any input at all from a human operator – and this would have profound implications for road safety.
In 2024, the Automated Vehicles Act became law, creating the conditions under which driverless vehicles would be able to operate from spring 2026. This technology promises to eliminate collisions caused by human error.
Innovations in Road Infrastructure and Emergency Response
The roads themselves might also benefit from technological improvements. Researchers at Swansea University recently unveiled a way to extend the surface lifespan of tarmac by around a third, by incorporating plant spores into the material. Certain crash hotspots might be simulated in ‘digital twin’ environments, helping to troubleshoot the causes of persistent problems. Cameras might also be equipped with the ability to summon the emergency services whenever a crash is detected, helping to drive down response times and ultimately save lives.