Aug 02 2022

Road safety: new technology trialled to understand scale of dangerous motoring

New mobile technology which can automatically detect whether motorists are wearing seatbelts or holding mobile phones is being trialled in the UK.

The new van will be used on motorways and A-roads across England as part of a three-month research project by Warwickshire Police to understand the scale of the issue.

The ‘sensor test vehicle’ is equipped with multiple cameras to record passing motorists with artificial intelligence determining if drivers are using a handheld device or not warning seat belts. It can also detect tailgating offences – although this doesn’t form part of this trial.

Those caught will be issued warning letters and told they could be fined up to £500 and penalty points. Drivers will also be asked to complete a survey.

The news follows changes to the Highway Code on mobile phone use and dangerous driving, sentencing for dangerous driving offences have come into force and further consultations on sentencing guidelines for motoring offences taking place.

Road safety policy

The research forms part of National Highways strategy on road safety, which includes a long-term commitment to zero people being killed or seriously injured on the Strategic Road Network by 2040.

There were 420 road traffic collisions on British roads in 2019 in which a mobile phone was being used by a driver at the wheel. In 2020, some 23% of car occupant fatalities in reported road collisions were not wearing a seatbelt.

Speaking about the news, National Highways’ Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips said about the trial: “We want to see if we can change driver behaviour and therefore improve road safety for everyone. Our advice is clear; please leave enough space, buckle up and give the road your full attention.” Read more

Source: RHA