Michelle ThompsonA law enforcement agency has initiated the use of artificial intelligence to determine if drivers are engaging in the use of mobile phones while driving or neglecting to fasten their seat belts.
Merseyside Police has introduced an AI-equipped surveillance van on the region’s roadways for the first time this week.
This van is equipped with two cameras that record footage of drivers, and an AI system is used to analyze the footage in order to identify any traffic violations.
If the system flags any potential infractions, a police officer will then review the footage.
Sergeant Garreth Berry emphasized that the primary goal of this technology is to enhance road safety. He mentioned that in the previous year, 19 individuals lost their lives on Merseyside’s roads, with 440 sustaining serious injuries.
He clarified that the technology’s purpose is not just to issue tickets but to foster safer road behavior, particularly by discouraging phone use and promoting seatbelt usage. Sgt. Berry hopes that the knowledge of this technology’s use will deter people from using their phones and encourage them to buckle up.
The van was put into operation for the first time on November 6th.
The initial camera within the AI-equipped van is positioned at a low angle, enabling it to detect whether a mobile phone is in close proximity to the driver’s ear or if the driver or passengers are wearing seat belts.
The second camera is positioned at a steeper angle, designed to identify instances where mobile phones are being used for texting.
Any violations identified in the AI analysis will undergo a secondary human verification process before being submitted to the police for review. Subsequently, drivers will be notified if there is intent to pursue legal action for the observed infractions.
Paul Fletcher, a representative from the Merseyside Road Safety Partnership, noted that the “vast majority” of individuals are aware of the hazards linked to using a mobile phone while driving or failing to wear a seatbelt.
He further stated, “For those who may not fully grasp the risks associated with these behaviors, we are optimistic that this technology will serve as a deterrent, dissuading them from persisting in actions that jeopardize their own safety and that of others.”
