In Victoria, it has been decided to install cameras everywhere to detect drivers who are not wearing a seat belt or who are holding a mobile phone. Fines amount to $555 in the first phase, while a deduction of 4 points is also foreseen.
During the Catholic Easter, 14 people were killed in car accidents, while dozens were injured, mainly young people. Since January, 88 people have died in Victoria.
If this rate of accidents continues, a 15-year record is unfortunately expected to be set.
For this reason, Anthony Carbines, the minister responsible for police affairs in Victoria, announced the measure to be taken, which involves the installation of artificial intelligence camera systems to catch drivers who break the law. And this, while the government's $33,7 million Victorian Road Safety Strategy is still in place, and will be until 2030.
The cameras will be installed in more than 200 areas, while a 3-month grace period will be given to drivers, before the penalty measure comes into effect. The cameras will provide high-resolution photos regardless of weather conditions. According to the government, the road safety rules on driver distraction, in addition to mobile phones, cover the use of in-vehicle systems, mounted or wearable devices such as smartwatches and tablet devices. This means that drivers should not engage with electronic devices while driving.
Otherwise, the driver is prohibited from typing anything, using a smartphone (scrolling), browsing the internet, receiving a video call or playing videos or games, making a voice message, handing a device to a passenger or leans on him.
More at https://vicroads.vic.gov.au/drivingdistractions
Two fixed cameras have already been installed in Avondale Heights and St Kilda.
As the minister stated, "The use of mobile phones behind the wheel puts lives at risk and can lead to tragedy. We're preventing this kind of dangerous behavior on our roads with new phone and seat belt tracking technology."
source www.neoskosmos.com
Picture StockSnap / https://pixabay.com
