• Initial phase targets vehicle overloading and seatbelt non-compliance

• Authorities say broader coverage needed to assess road safety impact

Mauritanian authorities have deployed an artificial intelligence-powered system to automatically detect and record traffic violations nationwide in real time, according to the government. The initiative has been operational since December 25 and is part of efforts to integrate digital technology into road safety management.

The system’s first phase focuses on two main violations: vehicle overloading, detected automatically when a vehicle exceeds its authorized weight, and failure to wear a seatbelt, detected by smart cameras. The solution aims to modernize monitoring through automatic alerts and improved data tracking, particularly during intercity travel.

The use of digital technology for road safety in Mauritania remains at an early stage, however. Expanding the system to cover a wider range of violations will be necessary to assess its real impact on road safety.

AI’s potential extends beyond detecting violations. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), for example, launched the “AI for Road Safety” initiative in 2021, promoting a “safe system” approach built around six pillars: road safety management, safer roads and mobility, safer vehicles, safer road users, post-crash response, and speed control.

According to the UN agency, AI can improve the collection and analysis of crash data, generate insights to prevent collisions, and optimize post-crash response, helping to strengthen regulatory frameworks.

The ITU cautions, however, that AI is not a cure-all. Adequate safety standards, rigorous system testing, and safeguards against risks to human rights and privacy are essential to ensure these technologies are used reliably, securely, and ethically. Developing robust telecommunications infrastructure, such as 5G, will also be necessary to support such systems.

Isaac K. Kassouwi