Leveraging AI in Mitigating Road Accidents and Alleviating Traffic Congestion: A South African Perspective †

Abstract

This study aims to achieve its objectives in two folds: firstly, by examining the current challenges in South Africa’s traffic ecosystem, which lead to excessive road accidents and traffic congestion, and finally, by proposing an AI-driven model to be incorporated in South Africa’s Traffic Management System to enhance road safety and reduce traffic congestion. As a literature-based study, secondary data was collected and critically analyzed to comprehend the key factors that precipitate road accidents and yield sluggish traffic congestion in South Africa’s big cities, and thereafter, we developed a suitable AI model (ITTE) that would assist in mitigating road accidents and alleviate traffic congestion. This study found that leveraging AI in the transportation ecosystem would identify issues like infrastructural weaknesses, unsafe driving, and environmental risks. This would allow for proactive or automated corrective actions such as adjusting traffic signals or urgently alerting stakeholders such as drivers, pedestrians, and authorities with real-time updates, fostering a culture of being well-informed and responsive.