‘Life-saving’ AI that detects a car crash before it happens – and provides ‘valuable evidence’ if you’re hit

CYCLISTS and cars have always been like oil and water – but new technologies can save lives and hold people accountable.

Many states have passed laws to protect cyclists, but data shows they are not working as well as lawmakers had hoped.

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In 2022, the NHTSA published data showing that that year had the highest record number of cyclist deaths due to being struck by a vehicle in the country’s history.

The number stood at 1,105 deaths, surpassing the previous record of 1,103 in 1973.

The number has dropped to 883 in 2023, but the agency’s tracking system shows the number of deaths is rising.

Technology has come a long way since 1973, but one thing remains the same: drivers can’t see cyclists or people aren’t paying attention.

States and cities have passed laws to protect cyclists and even changed city infrastructure to help cyclists be more visible.

Even so, cyclists continue to be affected.

To help combat cyclist collisions, Survue, an AI startup in Maine, developed the Smart Bike Light – a compact device that attaches to the back of a bike and literally looks out for you.

“Survue detects the exact location of vehicles, predicts where they are going, alerts you if they are nearby, and automatically records videos of vehicles passing in close proximity, providing maximum situational awareness and peace of mind,” the product page read.

“Survue is the only bike light that can differentiate between a passing vehicle and a colliding vehicle.”

The recording function is saved to a versatile microSD card, so it can be used in a driver when needed.

“In the worst case scenario, you could hold drivers liable,” the website continues.

There are many cameras on the market that can record in high definition, but Survue holds the title of the only AI-powered camera that actively tracks cars and alerts drivers to danger.

AI assistance would be especially useful since the biggest risk to cyclists is vehicles speeding.

The NHTSA he wrote that 62 percent of cyclist deaths occur in locations outside intersections and more often in urban areas than in rural areas.

Safety tips for pedestrians and cyclists

Every US state has laws designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists. However, there are some tips to increase your safety as a pedestrian or cyclist to help ensure the driver sees you or when crossing traffic safely.

As a pedestrian or cyclist, it is important to be aware of your surroundings.

Here are some tips for safe travel as a pedestrian.

• Cross the street using marked crosswalks when available, and preferably on the corner.
• Use the buttons to alert drivers to a pedestrian crossing and wait until the traffic light turns green – as this means the driver’s light is red.
• Pay special attention to drivers intending to turn, as they may not see you as you turn.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Increase your visibility by wearing brightly colored clothing, reflective gear or even lights during low visibility conditions such as rain, fog, dusk or night.

As a cyclist, it is important:

• Obey all traffic laws, traffic lights and signs. On the road, you are considered a vehicle and following the laws increases your safety.
• Drive in the same direction as traffic.
• Use hand signals to communicate with drivers in the intended direction.
• Wear a helmet. Not only is it the law in most states, but it also decreases the chance of serious injury by 63 to 88 percent.
• Use headlights or taillights when driving at dawn, dusk, or at night to increase your visibility.

Source: Arlington County Police Department, National Institute of Health

Cyclists are also more likely to be struck during low-light times such as dawn, dusk or night.

With the power of AI, a cyclist is much safer from a collision in these conditions.

As of now, the start-up is pursuing a $5,000 Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, which it has already fulfilled.

So far, Kickstarter page shows that the product has 185 backers and has raised a total of $44,366.

No release date has been released yet, but the company indicates on the same page that a smart taillight costs $329.