New road safety camera technology to save lives in Victoria

Victorians using their mobile phones while driving will soon be caught and fined after a successful trial of distracted driver technology.

The distracted driving technology uses an artificial intelligence-enabled camera system to capture high-resolution images of passing vehicles in all traffic and weather conditions – day and night.

The trial was conducted over a three-month period and assessed a total of 679,438 vehicles. Throughout the trial, one in 42 drivers was detected illegally using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

As the trial was conducted while stage four restrictions were in place in Victoria, it’s anticipated the rate of offending could be higher when roads are busier and movement isn’t restricted.

Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Danny Pearson said that using your mobile phone while driving is unbelievably dangerous.

“It’s unacceptable that so many Victorians are putting others’ lives at risk – which is why we’re investing $33 million to install this new distracted driver technology, which can save up to 95 lives every year,” Pearson said.

The trial also found the distracted driving technology can detect drivers who aren’t wearing a seatbelt, driving without hands on the wheel or with pets on laps, as well.

Further stakeholder consultation, technology testing and demonstrations, as well as a public awareness campaign are being prepared ahead of the technology being rolled out for enforcement on Victorian roads by 2023.