How machine learning can drive change in traffic-packed L.A.

But for drivers, the beauty of Southern California's great weather and scenery is ruined by one thing: traffic. According to a report by INRIX, my hometown is the worst city in the world for traffic, with a record of 102 hours of congestion during peak hours in 2017. My classmate, Ericson Hernandez, comes from New York City, which is ranked third globally for its traffic woes. Together, we decided to use machine learning to figure out the roots of bad traffic, including elements like road damage from potholes and cracks, and make rides around our beautiful cities enjoyable again. As Ericson and I started studying electrical engineering at Loyola Marymount University, we began to develop an interest in a relatively new topic to the engineering world: machine learning.