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distracted driver
Cameras confirm distracted driving epidemic

Just six new AI distracted driving cameras are catching 170 drivers using their mobile phones illegally each day. 

From the middle of last year until 30 December, a total of 30,231 drivers were detected using their phones while driving. In other concerning figures, 16,499 drivers and 6375 passengers were nabbed for not wearing seat belts.

Drivers caught using a mobile phone while driving face penalties of four demerit points and a $577 fine. Drivers not wearing a seat belt correctly face three demerit points and a $385 fine. 

The network of AI camera trailers move regularly so drivers are unaware of where they will be. They monitor motorists for around 8000 hours each month and move across 162 locations in rural and metropolitan areas.

More cameras are being added to the fleet.

The units utilise AI-enabled cameras to capture high-resolution images of drivers. The images are passed to a human who provides verification before an infringement notice is issued.

Safety authorities say distracted driving is a major contributor to serious and fatal collisions. Research shows that more than half of all drivers have used a mobile phone while driving, which can increase the risk of crashing up to 10 times compared to an alert driver.

More than 140 drivers and passengers killed on Victorian roads in the last five years were not wearing a seat belt.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines says: “Our message to drivers is clear – if you are using your phone while driving or not buckled up, these cameras will catch you.

“Too many lives have been lost because drivers have been distracted and these road safety cameras are proven to be one of the most effective ways to stop this dangerous behaviour and save lives.”

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne says: “Last year was devastating on our roads and we’re working with our road safety partners to do everything in our power to drive down road trauma.”

For more information about Victoria’s road safety cameras visit: vic.gov.au/cameras-save-lives

EDITOR'S NOTE:  AI cameras are confirming what bike riders have known for years: driver distraction and inattention is pervasive, putting not only the driver's life at risk, but threatening the lives of innocent bike riders, pedestrians and other road users.

Use of AI cameras and heavy police fines offer a chance that the normalisation of illegal phone use will be stopped, and our roads will become safer for people who ride bikes.

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