show index hide index
Currently being tested in Devon and Cornwall, an innovative device usesartificial intelligence to identify drivers in a state of weakness due to thealcohol or to drugs. This cutting-edge technology, described as a world premiere, could strengthen road safety by detecting abnormal behavior using smart cameras positioned overlooking the roads. Law enforcement officers, thus relieved, can better concentrate their efforts on intercepting this dangerous behavior.
A testing process is underway in England to introduce a new generation of radars equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). These innovative devices are capable of detecting drivers who are drunk or under the influence of narcotics. Currently used in the counties of Devon and Cornwall, these radars offer a promising solution to improve road safety. They allow law enforcement to more easily identify suspicious behavior on the road, while rebalancing the workload of police officers.
A technological breakthrough for road safety
Radars equipped withartificial intelligence represent a real leap forward for road safety. Using sophisticated cameras overlooking the roads, these radars detect anomalies in vehicle behavior. Artificial intelligence analyzes various attributes, such as the trajectory or speed of cars, to determine whether alcohol or drugs are suspected. This allows rapid intervention by interception teams, who can then carry out in-depth checks with the drivers concerned.
Help the police
Faced with the constant challenge of effectively monitoring the roads, police forces have found a valuable ally in these new devices. Simon Jenkinson, commissioner responsible for policing the 14,000 kilometers of roads in the two counties concerned, stresses that the police cannot be omnipresent. Thanks to these intelligent radars, it becomes possible to adjust resources optimally, reporting only the most convincing cases, without overloading the system with unnecessary reports.
The role of Acusensus technology
At the base of this progress, we find the Australian company Acusensus. Their technology is already in use in the UK to detect other offenses such as using a mobile phone while driving or not wearing a seat belt. Geoff Collins, the company’s managing director, says it is essential to calibrate the system, striking a balance between reporting everyone and focusing on a fraction of identified drivers, ensuring intervention is proportionate and effective.
Prospects for a French adoption
In France, the implementation of such devices is being studied, although, for the moment, no political decision has been taken in this direction. Previous budgets had planned to equip automatic speed cameras with AI functionalities to detect certain offenses. However, an interministerial committee is necessary to validate any start of such a procedure on French territory. For his part, Pierre Chasseray, general delegate of the 40 million motorists association, suggests that these devices could have a significant impact on road safety.
Criticism and concerns about AI
Despite the promising prospects, the integration of artificial intelligence into road safety systems is also questionable. If the potential for detecting the use of illicit substances is praised, other uses such as the automatic detection of safety distances are more controversial. Some critics suggest that these features may have a predominant financial interest, rather than truly improving safety on the roads.
