Can artificial intelligence (AI) save lives on the road? York University Professor Ali Asgary's newly launched MotoAI app is designed to do just that by empowering motorcyclists and road safety experts with crucial road safety insights.
Developed in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the web app had its official launch May 28 during the 8th UN Global Safety Road Week.
Ali Asgary
Asgary, director of CIFAL and executive director of the Advanced Disaster, Emergency and Rapid Response Simulation Lab (ADERSIM) at York, leverages AI to provide road users with data-driven insights and assessments to help motorcyclists identify dangers on the road.
With motorcycle riders accounting for approximately 30 per cent of all road traffic deaths globally, the launch of MotoAI presents an additional tool to reduce injury and fatalities on the road.
MotoAI is a user-friendly, web-based platform that allows riders to input data specific to their local environment. This data feeds into a powerful generative AI model, which calculates a Motorcycle Road Safety Index (MRSI) using 34 different risk indicators, explains Asgary.
"These indicators assess various factors, including human behaviour, vehicle features, road conditions, environmental factors, emergency response capacities and law enforcement, providing a comprehensive view of risk levels," he says.
One of the app's standout features is its ability to deliver personalized safety reports to users based on their self-assessment of road safety: once a location and road conditions are entered, MotoAI generates a tailored risk score and actionable recommendations for safe riding. Asgary adds that the app visualizes safety assessment records on a map, allowing riders and experts to assess potential hazards at a glance.
"The MotoAI app is a significant advancement in AI and road safety technology," says Asgary, a professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. "By focusing on localized data, we can help motorcyclists understand the risks they face and provide them with the tools to navigate those risks effectively."
The May 28 launch featured a webinar titled "AI for Safer Roads" where more than 100 government officials, urban planners and road safety experts discussed the potential of AI in safeguarding vulnerable road users.
Motorcyclists at the event provided feedback on the app, highlighting its user-friendly platform and impact on reducing road-related incidents.
Road traffic injuries remain a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with nearly 1.2 million people killed and as many as 50 million people injured each year, says Estrella Merlos, global head, road safety, UNITAR.
"UNITAR is pleased to collaborate with York University's ADERSIM to develop a groundbreaking AI-powered tool that provides users - including riders, policymakers, urban planners and road safety advocates - with localized, evidence-based risk assessments and tailored recommendations to mitigate risk," he says.
"We look forward to continued partnership and remain committed to continue supporting the development of innovative, data-driven motorcycle safety interventions."
Asgary says MotoAI's capabilities extend beyond the road and allows policymakers and urban planners to access data to drive improved road safety measures. Additionally, researchers and insurance companies can leverage the app's extensive database to analyze trends and improve safety protocols across urban centres.
"MotoAI signals a progressive step towards reducing motorcycle-related fatalities globally," says Asgary. "The app aims to foster a culture of safety and awareness, ultimately contributing to safer roads for everyone."
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter
