Saddled with the burden of a higher rate of road accidents and traffic indiscipline, the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Transport Department is introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tests for driving exams. Mumbai is among the 17 locations in the state where automated driving test tracks integrated with AI software for minimal human intervention will be built. In 2022, Maharashtra registered a total of 33,069 road accidents, compared to 32,925 in 2019, indicating a 0.44 per cent rise. Fatalities increased by 16.38 per cent according to statistics.

According to the WHO, road accident injuries are the fifth leading cause of death in India. Accidents account for loss of about 3 per cent of GDP every year. While various factors contribute to road accidents, research has highlighted driving skills as a major factor. Therefore, assessing drivers’ perceptual and motor skills remains crucial for road safety. With this aim, the transport department plans to establish Automated Driving Test Tracks at 17 locations in Maharashtra,” a senior official explained.