This study addresses the critical question: How can AI be effectively harnessed to serve humanity’s global well-being? Referencing Barber’s (1998) dilemma, we ask whether AI will lead us toward a Pandora scenario—marked by chaos and harm—or a Jeffersonian scenario, where AI fosters democratic opportunities. To explore this, we developed a citizen-friendly AI prototype focused on road safety, an urgent global challenge with 1.19 million fatalities annually, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization.

Our AI-co-created website, utilizing Generative AI as an assistant, aims to disseminate proven road safety strategies, such as “Sustainable Safety” and the “Urban Street Design Guide,” which have been successfully implemented in the Netherlands and various U.S. cities. The prototype seeks to bridge language and knowledge gaps, empowering citizens worldwide with accessible road safety insights.

Employing the Prototype Method, this study underwent three development iterations, integrating feedback from diverse citizen groups through workshops and surveys. The final product, prototype 3, presented in a semi-manual, semi-AI format, demonstrates that AI can significantly enhance civic participation and public affairs.

Based on the Human-Centered AI (HCAI) framework, we introduce an advanced "Citizen-AI" model, incorporating the ARIE evaluation model—Avoid, Reduce, Insist, Encourage—to ensure ethical AI deployment. Together with the 3E framework: Education, Empowerment, and Engagement, the ARIE model offers a comprehensive self-assessment tool for developers, guiding the creation of AI systems that prioritize human welfare. This study envisions a future where citizens are equipped to use AI as an active tool for participation, bridging the gap between technology and public engagement.