Road safety is being transformed by artificial intelligence. Today, there are measures being implemented such as Heads Up, which is being tested in the United Kingdom, Australia, and cities such as Manchester. These innovative traffic cameras also detect distractions while driving, including cell phone use. Matt Staton, the manager of National Highways, has made use of technological advances to put an end to dangerous driving. Read on to learn more about this innovation.
First mobile speed camera
Traffic cameras have been between us for decades with the first mobile speed camera capturing drivers back in the 1980s. This way of traffic regulation has proven very prodcutive, detecting speeding drivers, red light crossings and even illegal bus lane practice. The monetary penalty has obligated drivers to be more conscious and safer during their time on the roads, reducing danger for themselves and those around them. However, in just a short 40 years, camera technology has advanced way past expectations.
The rise of technology is seeing advancements in every environment
In the past, traffic cameras were simple speed limit enforcers, detecting any moving vehicle that was going over the implemented speed. Both mobile and static cameras were imposed to make sure that drivers maintain the rules of the road and avoid reckless driving. Currently, with advanced technology, things are not as they used to be.
Technology has undeniably been perfected in recent years, with everything from electric cars to smart TVs, and advanced home security systems being built up. Gadgets like phones, computers and cameras have not been left behind, with recent designs are always in production to satisfy customers and meliorate users’ quality of life.
One great advancement that has spiked dramatically is artificial intelligence. This new technology is being used more and more every day, in the workplace, school classrooms, home environments, and at this time, even on the roads.
Camera advancements aim to catch unsuspecting drivers
Artificial intelligence was in the pastr a subject just founded in movies or books, a futuristic notion that seemed way too advanced to pursue. We’ve seen that this is no longer the case, with AI around us almost entirely in the 21st century. Recent AI camera technology is being introduced all along the globe, proving just how futuristic our current age is.
These AI cameras are more easily able to track down illegal driving activity, picking up further infringements like lack of seatbelts or texting while driving. New systems such as one named Heads Up is going as far as to picture every single vehicle that passes, then scanning each one for any possible violation. In the case a driver is suspected of any illegal activity, it notifies a human officer to verify the infringement.
AI technology knows no limits, and this recent system is confming that. It is being tested in the UK and Australia, and in just two months in Manchester, over 3000 people were captured not wearing their seatbelt. This system has the scope that no other camera can get to, underlining the huge potential that AI has.
The aim behind these advanced cameras
Investigation has shown unreal results for non-seatbelt wearers, as well as drivers who text in the car. Reportedly, those without seatbelts are twice as probably to be killed, and those who text are four times more likely to be involved in an accident. With these data, AI cameras are a relevant implementation to ensure drivers follow the law.
Matt Staton, National Highways head of road user safety delivery, states:
“We know that distracted driving and not wearing seatbelts were key factors in a high number of incidents that resulted in people being killed or seriously injured. Working with our police partners we want to reduce such dangerous driving and reduce the risks posed to both the drivers and other people. We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour.”
Several states already have large fines for violations such as phone usage, and this camera system is taking it a step further. At the same time concerns are increased regarding privacy and tampering, governments are doing their best to put into effect this technology as seamlessly as posibly and ma ke sure privacy will only be compromised if it is for the greater good of the people.