SAN ANTONIO – Dr. Yufang Jin’s lab is buzzing with activity as she tackles a common problem using cutting-edge technology.
“Road rage is a serious issue,” Jin, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, expressed. “We believe that educating the youth is crucial for the future of our society.”
Collaborating with the Community Alliance of Traffic Safety (CATS), Jin is dedicated to combating aggressive driving in San Antonio, a problem on the rise according to CATS reports.
“People are increasingly frustrated and angry,” said Dean DeSoto, the executive director of CATS. “Together, we aim to put a stop to this trend.”
Jin and her team are focusing on instilling good driving habits in the next generation. She leads a group of high schoolers known as the Technowizards, who are actively participating in national robotics competitions.
Their current project involves using artificial intelligence for developing self-driving cars, a step towards reducing speeding and tailgating.
Additionally, Jin’s undergraduate students are working on a driving simulation that mimics a video game experience but with real-world implications – the better you drive, the higher your score.
UTSA senior Omar Alsamman, involved in designing the simulation, highlights some of its advantages, such as practicing traffic rules and signs.
Although still in the early stages, these programs hold promise for transforming driving behaviors in Texas with the aid of technology.
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