Results of Korea Transportation Safety Authority and LG Electronics'
Long-Distance Route Pilot Project
AI Monitoring Improves Driver Safety by Over 70%
Significant Reductions in Signal Violations, Illegal U-Turns, and Drowsy Driving
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology capable of recognizing driver conditions and driving habits has been proven to significantly aid in safe vehicle operation.
The Korea Transportation Safety Authority announced the results of a pilot project utilizing AI for safe driving support in collaboration with LG Electronics on the 16th. This pilot project was conducted from August to November last year, targeting long-distance commuter buses and drivers at LG Electronics' Changwon plant. Data from 14 vehicles (based on 1,000 km of driving distance) were analyzed.
As a result of analyzing various risky driving behaviors according to performance indicators, the driver safety score after AI monitoring was 82.3 points, approximately 70% higher than the previous score of 48.4 points. Specifically, the number of forward-facing risky driving incidents decreased significantly: signal violations dropped by 64%, illegal U-turns by 80%, and lane intrusions by 57%.
Regarding internal risky driving behaviors, drowsy driving was reduced by 100%, while smoking (46%) and mobile phone use (44%)?both safety-related risk factors?also saw substantial decreases. Additionally, idling time was reduced by 43%, enabling more economical driving.
The AI-based safe driving support project uses AI video analysis equipment to monitor bus drivers' traffic violations and risky driving behaviors in real time, alerting them with warning sounds to prevent accidents. When serious violations such as signal violations, lane intrusions, drowsy driving, or forward inattentiveness occur during driving, the AI device immediately sends an alert sound to the driver.
Driver monitoring device installed inside a route bus. Provided by Korea Transportation Safety Authority
Furthermore, monitoring and analysis results of risky driving behaviors such as speeding, sudden stops, and rapid starts, as well as accident videos, are provided to drivers and transportation companies to help improve bus drivers' driving habits. The Authority plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, local governments, and transportation associations to apply this project to other commuter buses. LG Electronics has decided to install this device additionally on long-distance commuter buses at all its plants.
Jung Yong-sik, Director of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, stated, "This project has enabled commuter bus drivers to improve their risky driving habits on their own," adding, "We will create a safe transportation environment by utilizing advanced technologies such as AI."
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