Hundreds of times we have repeated how dangerous it is to use the smartphone while driving and we have discussed how this habit instead of cutting down is an increasingly widespread phenomenon. In the city or on suburban roads, it's normal to see people texting or calling while driving. France is not the only country where this problem is prevalent and in Australia they may have found a solution. This is a surveillance system that can identify who is driving a cell phone.
It was developed by the company Acusensus and the first trials began in New South Wales from 2019. Since then, several “cameras” connected to artificial intelligence have been installed in Australia. The structure of the device is quite simple, it is a rod at the end of which a camera is installed capable of identifying the vehicle's license plate and above all of photographing motorists from above. From this point of view, the software is able to clearly distinguish whether the driver has a smartphone in his hand or in his ear.
Over the two years of using the system in Australia, Acusensus helped reduce mobile phone use while driving by five and road deaths fell by 21%.
This new type of traffic monitoring system is virtually programmable to also detect other types of violations, such as driving without a seat belt, if the vehicle is uninsured or even stolen. Therefore, a reliable and flexible system cannot be ruled out that we will soon also see on European roads.
