AI cameras are catching distracted drivers in the UK

The advancement of AI-powered traffic surveillance technology is revealing concerning patterns of unsafe driving behavior in Greater Manchester, where thousands of drivers have been caught violating basic safety laws in a recent trial period.

Project overview: Greater Manchester has implemented a new AI-powered ‘Heads Up’ camera system to detect and document drivers using mobile phones and failing to wear seat belts.

• The system combines artificial intelligence with human review to identify traffic safety violations
• Over a five-week period in September and October 2023, the cameras documented more than 3,200 infractions
• The trial is part of Greater Manchester’s Vision Zero Strategy, which aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2040

Key findings: The surveillance system revealed widespread non-compliance with basic traffic safety laws across Greater Manchester.

• 812 drivers were caught using mobile phones while driving
• 2,393 incidents involved drivers or passengers not wearing seat belts
• Multiple cases showed both adults and children improperly secured in vehicles

Safety implications: Data shows that these violations significantly increase the risk of serious accidents and fatalities on the road.

• Phone use while driving quadruples the risk of being involved in a collision
• Not wearing a seat belt doubles the likelihood of death in an accident
• The presence of unsecured child passengers adds an additional layer of risk to already dangerous behavior

Official response: Greater Manchester authorities express grave concern over the trial results while emphasizing their commitment to road safety.

• Deputy Mayor Kate Green characterized the images as a “wake up call” for drivers
• Dame Sarah Storey, active travel commissioner, described the findings as “horrifying”
• Law enforcement has the authority to pursue action against documented violations, though no prosecutions have occurred yet from this trial

Looking ahead: While the AI camera system demonstrates promising capability in detecting unsafe driving behaviors, its true impact will depend on how effectively authorities can translate these findings into meaningful enforcement and behavioral change among Greater Manchester’s drivers.