Pothole Patrol app gets an AI upgrade

Discovery Insure has upgraded the system to the Pothole Patrol mobile app, including advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software on it to make it easier for users to identify road defects and potholes.

Since the app was launched, it has led to almost 175 000 potholes in Johannesburg being fixed. A statement revealed that the app has since launch used telematics technology to make it easier to locate potholes. The process of identifying potholes has now been enhanced by introducing AI software, which is able to detect road defects with high accuracy and efficiency.

The Pothole Patrol app is an initiative of Discovery Insure, in partnership with Dialdirect and the City of Johannesburg (COJ), to support the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to deal head-on with the serious issue of potholes in the city.

Using geolocation tech to allow residents to report the exact location of a pothole for the attention of the COJ, the app allows citizens to track other already repaired potholes across the city.

The insurance company estimates the impact of pothole damage costs South Africans approximately R500 million per month. That would now be equivalent to buying 550 000 new tyres each month.

Head of strategy and value-added products at Discovery Insure, Kgodiso Mokonyane said notwithstanding this worrying picture, they have managed to achieve their core purpose to enhance and protect lives by making roads safer, through Pothole Patrol.

“Through the initiative, all motorists in the City of Johannesburg have made great savings in prevented pothole-related incidents. The advanced AI technology scans every inch of the road, identifying potholes, cracks and imperfections in real-time.” – he added.

According to insurance company, the AI technology also measures and categorises defects, providing invaluable insights for prioritisation and swift action. The app has reached about 13 000 downloads, and the project has used 7 000 tons of asphalt to fill 175 000 potholes since its launch. It focuses a lot on major roads in Johannesburg that are known to have potholes. The team of technicians also work with local authorities to identify and repair potholes in areas that are not regularly patrolled.

Announcing their partnership to support Pothole Patrol in Johannesburg, Discovery Insure and Avis Southern Africa revealed that they will be working together to fund the app and launch the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy.