A new approach to accident prevention

Earthpulse has started a new collaboration with Abertis as part of their Arlanda Initiative, formerly known as Zero Accidents AI Challenge, aimed at transforming road safety and traffic management across high-capacity roads. The project focuses on addressing a core challenge shared by road operators worldwide: understanding which road segments are most vulnerable to traffic accidents and, crucially, how to prevent them before they occur. 

Why satellite intelligence changes the game

Satellite data provides the most cost-efficient solution yet as it integrates directly with daily operations, and it is scalable. SPAI, our satellite-derived intelligence software, combines advanced AI modelling with multi-layered data and provides a new type of level of visibility over risk. Using Earth Observation data, such as digital elevation models, topographic features and meteorological information together with road network attributes and traffic usage patterns, it helps road operators builds a detailed, dynamic understanding of how risk evolves on the ground. 

Key indicators include slope, orientation, speed-limit distribution, traffic density, and exposure to adverse weather. These are processed through AI models capable of detecting relationships between terrain, infrastructure, climate, and road usage even when accident records are incomplete. The result is a predictive framework that highlights high-risk segments long before incidents occur. 

Early warnings and smarter preventive action

The system developed by scientists at Earthpulse addresses Abertis’s challenge in several critical areas:  On one side, it supports risk identification, pinpointing areas where preventive interventions will make the strongest impact. Once that’s detected, the system activates early warning mechanisms, offering near real-time alerts when conditions change.  

On the other hand, it improves capacity and resource allocation. With this technology, teams can be positioned strategically ahead of possible incidents, while it strengthens proactive infrastructure management, helping avoid costly failures by identifying vulnerabilities early. 

Impact for road operators and road users

The expected impact is very promising. Not only are fewer accidents, but also safer working conditions for Abertis’ workers, reduced exposure to risks for drivers, and more efficient road and infrastructure maintenance planning. This aligns directly with Abertis’ “Zero Accidents” vision and demonstrates how satellite intelligence can shift road safety from reactive to predictive. 

Earthpulse has already delivered similar results through projects such as SLOPES, where satellite and meteorological data offered early warnings for landslide-related risks in Chile and Brazil, and through our work with Prima Assicurazioni, where geospatial indicators enhanced traffic-risk modelling across multiple countries.  

Working towards safer, smarter mobility

These cases reinforce how advanced geospatial analysis can meaningfully change how infrastructure operators anticipate and manage risk. 

This collaboration with Abertis marks an important step in applying space-powered intelligence to everyday mobility challenges, contributing to safer roads and a more resilient transport network for all.