Devon and Cornwall, two English counties, have become the testing ground for a device that is intriguing to say the least: a camera equipped with artificial intelligence, called Heads-Up, capable of identifying suspicious driving behavior in real time. But how does it work? The technology monitors several parameters such as speed, trajectory or even the way in which the vehicle “behaves” on the road. If something goes wrong, a team of police stationed a little further away intercepts the driver to check if he is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A camera that sees everything… or almost
« This system somewhat mimics what an experienced police officer would do by monitoring drivers. says Geoff Collins, managing director of Acusensus, the company behind the camera. According to him, this technology is there to detect signs of impregnation before it causes an accident. An attractive idea when we know that drunk drivers are six times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
For the moment, this camera is in the testing phase. It can be installed anywhere, without warning, and drivers often don’t realize anything until they are stopped. But all this remains an experiment. “ We are still at the beginning, and we must find the right balance between catching really dangerous drivers and not raising unnecessary alarms. », Specifies Geoff Collins.
For Simon Jenkinson, superintendent in charge of the 22,000 km of roads in Devon and Cornwall, this project is part of a wider plan to improve road safety, particularly as part of the Vision Zero South West partnership. “ Our officers cannot be everywhere, so using this type of technology becomes essential “, he explains.
In parallel with this test, the region is increasing initiatives to limit risks during the end-of-year holidays. Among them, a night bus service is offered to prevent motorists from getting behind the wheel after a drunken evening.
This is not the first time that Acusensus has deployed its smart cameras. The same system has already been used to identify drivers using their phone while driving or not wearing their seat belt. But unlike these offenses which can be noted after the fact, the detection of drivers under the influence requires immediate action.
The challenge for law enforcement will be to verify whether this technology is really effective in detecting risky behavior. If the results prove conclusive, this type of camera could well become widespread, and not just in the United Kingdom. In the meantime, it’s best to keep a cool head while driving in the South West of England: technology may already be watching you…
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