California state officials are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) in an effort to find innovative solutions to combat the ongoing traffic problems in the state. The California Department of Transportation and other state agencies have issued a request for proposal, asking technology companies to propose AI tools that can help reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders. The state is particularly interested in generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, which have the potential to quickly produce text, images, and other content, while also aiding in brainstorming sessions.
With concerns about the potential risks of AI technology, California aims to harness its power to enhance government services. The state government released a report outlining the benefits and risks of using AI in state government following an executive order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September, which focused on generative AI. California state agencies have access to a wealth of valuable data, including information from thousands of traffic sensors and cameras. Analyzing this data efficiently to improve traffic flow and safety presents a significant challenge due to the different forms in which it is collected, such as photos, videos, and text.
While the state currently utilizes technology to analyze traffic data, decisions on how to improve traffic flow in real time rely heavily on human workers. Generative AI has the potential to hasten the development of better solutions. Secretary of Government Operations for California, Amy Tong, believes that AI would change traffic management strategies much faster than humans can. AI could assist in identifying recurring issues that lead to congestion and propose innovative solutions, rather than defaulting to widening roads as the only option.
Furthermore, California aims to leverage generative AI to achieve its vision of zero road fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. By analyzing crash sites, lighting conditions, traffic patterns, and the behavior of pedestrians and cyclists, AI could help identify high-risk areas and suggest safety measures. This proactive approach would enable transportation system operators and engineers to anticipate and address safety issues rather than simply reacting after the fact.
While the integration of AI into state government work is expected to change job roles, California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin believes that jobs will not be entirely replaced. AI is already being utilized by companies like Google and INRIX to analyze traffic patterns and improve traffic flow. For example, Google’s Project Green Light uses AI to identify when traffic light timings can be adjusted to optimize traffic flow and reduce emissions.
As the state evaluates the proposals put forward by technology companies, it remains committed to ensuring data security and privacy. The use of state data in AI systems would have to comply with storage requirements within Caltrans’ managed cloud environments. In the face of a record $68 billion budget deficit, California plans to award contracts to companies that provide innovative ideas to address traffic issues. Additionally, other state agencies are considering similar requests to improve various public services.
While the ultimate goal is to find cost-effective solutions, the administration recognizes that public safety remains a top priority. California continues to explore AI as a means to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road safety, firmly believing in the potential of technology to improve the lives of its residents.
The source of the article is from the blog bitperfect.pe