You knew it was coming — and now it’s here.
Well, not specifically here in America yet — but you can put money on it that mobile phone detection cameras will be the norm throughout our country very soon.
An Australian state has decided enough is enough.
Since drivers won’t follow laws and stay off their cell phones while behind the wheel, the state made a huge move to use artificial intelligence to detect those who illegally use their mobile phones while driving.
Starting December 1, this area is the first to do so.
And it’s likely only a year or so before that technology is in America, in my view — to catch drivers behind the wheels and fine them an absurd amount of money for not being safe behind the wheel.
On one side, the government will invade your privacy with powerful cameras to see what you’re doing in your car and let artificial intelligence decide if it’s worthy enough to hand off to a human for review.
Related: Now You Could Get a Ticket for Distracted Walking
On the other, too many drivers are in accidents or are impeded from traveling to their destinations on time because those on their cell phones are driving more slowly, causing delays and problems for others.
That can be alleviated now.
Let that sink in for a while.
Here’s how Transport NSW describes the situation:
“The NSW Government is serious about reducing our state’s road toll and rolling out mobile phone detection cameras is another way we will do this,” Mr. Constance said.
“As we enter a notoriously dangerous time of the year on our roads I want all drivers to know that if you use your mobile phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle in NSW you will have a greater chance of being caught, anywhere at anytime.”
“Some people have not got the message about using their phones legally and safely. If they think they can continue to put the safety of themselves, their passengers and the community at risk without consequence they are in for a rude shock.”
For the first three months, drivers caught by a mobile phone detection camera will receive a warning letter.
After that drivers will cop a $344 fine, or a $457 fine in a school zone, and five demerit points — 10 during double demerit periods. (source: Transport.NSW)
I support the decision because I get tired of watching people talking on their phones or texting while driving — and not obeying the rules.
Law enforcement also cannot enforce every single instance of people doing this.
They can’t stop it all.
I hope road travel becomes a lot safer with this move.
My only question is, when does America get this?
Watch the video above, via Nine News Australia.
This piece by Wayne Dupree originally appeared in The Political Insider and is used by permission.
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