From guardrails to potholes, AI is becoming the new eyes on America’s roads

1 / 5

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Chelsea Palacio, public information manager for the City of San Jose, showcases how a small detection camera uses AI to detect road hazards and potholes, in San Jose, Calif., Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vsquez)

As America’s aging roads fall further behind on much-needed repairs, cities and states are turning to artificial intelligence to spot the worst hazards and decide which fixes should come first.

Hawaii officials, for example, are giving away 1,000 dashboard cameras as they try to reverse a recent spike in traffic fatalities . The cameras will use AI to automate inspections of guardrails , road signs and pavement markings, instantly discerning between minor problems and emergencies that war