HDOT Deploys Program Using Driver Dashcams, AI to Spot Road Hazards
Key Highlights
- HDOT is issuing 1,000 free dashcams to residents to detect roadway hazards more quickly.
- AI-powered software analyzes footage in near real time to alert crews and speed up maintenance.
- The initiative supports safer roads, particularly in remote areas that are difficult to monitor.
Hawaii drivers are being catapulted to the frontlines of addressing road hazards across the islands.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has issued 1,000 free high-resolution dash cameras to residents. The devices will automatically capture footage during normal commutes to help pinpoint hazards such as damaged guardrails, encroaching vegetation, debris and other roadway risks — especially in remote areas that are difficult for crews to monitor consistently.
Captured video is uploaded the cloud via cellular connection and analyzed through Bentley Systems’ Blyncsy software, which uses machine learning and AI analytics to detect roadway issues.
“Our crews have been working with Blyncsy to refine the machine learning algorithms to amplify our efforts to efficiently maintain our transportation infrastructure,” said HDOT Director Ed Sniffen in a statement. “The Eyes on the Road program will give us the information we need to get to damaged facilities quickly.”
The technology identifies hazards seen in near real-time and alerts maintenance teams so repairs can be made sooner.
“Bentley’s goal is to give transportation agencies real-time visibility into the state of their roadways,” Mark Pittman, Bentley System’s senior director of Transportation AI, said in a press release. By combining AI and machine learning analytics with dash cam imagery, we are helping Hawaii DOT move from reactive to proactive maintenance to reduce risk, lower costs, and save lives.”
HDOT's “Eyes on the Road” initiative is being conducted in partnership with the University of Hawaii.
Bentley Expands AI Capabilities With Recent Acquisitions
Blyncsy is part of Bentley’s Asset Analytics portfolio, which recently expanded with the acquisitions of Talon Aerolytics and Pointivo. These additions strengthen Bentley’s capabilities in telecommunications and electrical utilities asset management, supporting digital twins, AI-driven monitoring and infrastructure resilience.
“By joining Bentley Systems, we are poised to expand our global reach and enhance asset,” said Rod Dir, Talon’s CEO, in a statement. Meanwhile, Pointivo brings drone-based data processing and AI damage detection to Bentley’s platform.
Together, these tools will support smarter inspections, improved maintenance workflows and faster issue detection across critical infrastructure systems.