A speed camera to detect the use of a phone while driving. Successful trials in the US

Using a phone while driving is a frequently encountered violation on the roads. Not just in our country. Scientists from the USA and Australia are working on software that, with the help of cameras or speed cameras, will be able to detect such offenses. Hard times are coming for those who text while driving.

Actually, it's uncertain how big a problem cell phone use is for traffic safety. Drivers who have caused an accident under such circumstances are unlikely to share their story with the police. Many incidents also lack witnesses who could familiarize the officers with the exact circumstances. That's precisely why Americans and Australians are working on a system capable of making an accurate diagnosis.

The idea is simple. Based on the use of artificial intelligence, the software is designed to analyze images from speed cameras and road-mounted cameras. For now, for statistical purposes. Who knows, perhaps in the future these studies will form the basis for creating effective systems that could detect such cases for the needs of law enforcement services.

As reported by the American Highway Safety Agency IIHS, the effectiveness of the new solution is now comparable to the effectiveness of a traffic observer. During tests conducted under controlled conditions, the system identified 72 percent of cases of phone use, eating, and drinking while driving. The observer's effectiveness was 78 percent. Detecting prohibited actions without specifying their exact type - such as writing messages or having a conversation - proved easier. The effectiveness of the observer here was 90 percent, and the software's was 86 percent.

Another way to estimate the problem might be the use of data from the driver's phone. Motorists, who in exchange for a more favorable policy agreed to analyze their driving style through the insurer's application, may also be inclined to agree to track the use of the phone while driving. It's quite simple because it's enough to use information about the applications used and data from the gyroscope installed in the device.

Accurately defining the issue of using the phone while driving can lead us to some sad conclusions. I won't be surprised if it turns out that this habit contributes to a significantly larger percentage of accidents than what is indicated in the current police reports.