Australia is the first country in the world to use artificial intelligence to detect drivers who are careless behind the wheel, and of course to punish them so that they know to be much more careful in the future. Police in New South Wales, Australia, are running a pilot program that uses road cameras and artificial intelligence to detect drivers using their cell phones while driving.
The artificial intelligence was specially trained to detect the specific signs of using a mobile phone while driving, but of course there are also police officers who follow the way in which this detection is done by them. During the first three months of testing the project, the police will only monitor drivers who use mobile phones while driving to see if the system is good enough to correctly detect violations.
Artificial Intelligence used to Detect Inattentive Drivers
After the 3 months have passed, the police will use the system to fine drivers 344 Australian dollars, about 233 dollars, and 5 penalty points, but the fines can reach up to 457 Australian dollars, depending on the area in which the offense is committed. The police implement the system to reduce the number of drivers who use mobile phones while driving, but also to apply more fines based on it.
"Drivers using a mobile phone risk being caught illegally when the NSW Government's mobile phone detection cameras go live on Sunday 1 December. Roads Minister Andrew Constance said the world's first safety technology will target illegal mobile phone use by drivers through fixed and mobile trailer-mounted cameras."
The police cannot follow people using their mobile phones all the time on the roads, so the artificial intelligence will do it automatically with the help of the cameras mounted on the roads in that region of Australia, but also with the help of some mobile cameras. Those who implemented the system for the police say that up to 20 fatal accidents, or with serious bodily injuries, can be prevented annually, which can mean saving the lives of several dozen people.
The problem will be how good the evidence will be in court after the drivers start challenging the fines they receive from this system, and even if the policemen will have to manually approve the fines after checking the images, the system will be perfect.
