According to the National Safety Council, there are nine deaths each day attributed to distracted driving. While many people associate distracted driving with the use of cellphones, there are many distractions that drivers may have to deal with on a regular basis. For example, simply changing a radio station or eating while a vehicle is moving could take a person’s focus off of the road.
The use of artificial intelligence could make it possible to keep people focused on the road while they are driving. Such tools may be able to counteract the negative impacts of manual, cognitive and visual distractions. Already, automakers are required to have emergency brake and forward-collision warning systems installed in all new vehicles by 2020. If artificial intelligence is found to be successful in curbing distracted driving, it may have to be used in future vehicles as well.
According to one 2016 study, 60% of participants said that they used their cellphones while driving at least one time. Furthermore, 50% said that they read or sent text messages while their vehicles were in motion. These numbers are in spite of a wide range of advertisements and warnings about the dangers of driving while distracted. Each year, distracted driving costs the United States economy $40 million, and that is only $4 million less than the annual economic losses attributed to DUIs.
A car accident may result in catastrophic injuries such as broken bones, concussions or lacerations. These injuries may make it difficult or impossible to go to work or take part in other activities. Those who are hurt by negligent drivers may be able to recoup the cost of medical bills or earnings lost because of another person’s negligence. Multiple parties might be liable for paying damages in some cases.