When it comes to traffic cameras, most of them are typically used to catch speeders who break the legal speed limit and also to catch those who try to beat the red lights. However, when it comes to catching distracted drivers who might be texting while driving, that’s a little tricky and is usually a manual process.At least that’s the case for the rest of the world except for Australia, where the country’s government has rolled out what is possibly be the world’s first AI camera that can catch distracted drivers who are using their phones while driving. This will be initially rolled out in the state of New South Wales where the government is hoping that with the ability to spot drivers who are texting while driving, it will deter them which in turn will help reduce related accidents.
According to Minister for Roads Andrew Constance, “Some people have not got the message about using their phones legally and safely. If they think they can continue to put the safety of themselves, their passengers and the community at risk without consequence they are in for a rude shock.”
Drivers who are caught texting while driving during the first three months of the system going live will receive a warning letter. Following that, drivers who are caught will then receive a $344 fine and five demerit points. There are plans to expand on the system where it is expected to perform as many as 135 million vehicle checks each year by 2023.
Filed in . Read more about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Legal. Source: transport.nsw.gov.au