Sussex Police and National Highways have joined forces to tackle reckless driving using advanced AI technology. The new Sensor Test Vehicle has scanned more than 10,000 vehicles across Sussex, identifying over 200 offences related to mobile phone use and seatbelt violations.
The Sensor Test Vehicle is equipped with specialist cameras that detect suspicious driving behaviour. These detections are then thoroughly verified by police officers. Not wearing seatbelts and using mobile phones while driving continue to be leading causes of road fatalities in the UK.
According to the Department for Transport, seatbelt-related deaths increased by 23% last year. In 2019, there were 420 accidents involving drivers caught using mobile phones. Commercial drivers accounted for 32% of mobile phone offences and an alarming 82% of seatbelt breaches.
Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner commented, “Too many people continue to die on our roads. I welcome all initiatives to raise awareness and urge everyone to wear seatbelts and put phones away.” National Highways’ Jamie Hassall added, “We want to spotlight the reckless few risking lives. Thanks to AI, detecting offences is easier than ever.” Dr Jamie Uff from AECOM stated, “Despite warnings, deaths from distracted and unbelted drivers remain stubbornly high.” Geoff Collins from Acusensus UK described the Sussex trial as a “powerful tool” that combines AI with human checks to identify dangerous driving.
This high-tech crackdown could prove to be a significant step forward in improving road safety across Sussex for all users.
Originally published by UKNIP.
