Pune, 31st July 2023: In a pioneering road safety initiative, an AI-based camera system is currently undergoing testing on the bustling Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The objective is to identify and report instances of distracted driving and cellphone usage while driving. These intelligent cameras have demonstrated success in other countries, effectively capturing motorists breaking the law, particularly instances of texting while driving at high speeds. Once fully implemented, this system aims to report offenders to the police, acting as a deterrent against reckless driving behaviors.
Distracted driving has emerged as a significant concern, with 382 fatalities attributed to it on Maharashtra’s roads over the last six years. In recent times, instances of distracted driving, such as watching social media videos while driving, have led to approximately 1,100 road crashes, necessitating urgent and effective road safety measures.
Surprisingly, fatalities linked to distracted driving have increased despite a decrease in the overall number of crashes. In 2022, there were 52 crashes compared to 100 crashes in 2019, but the number of deaths doubled from 13 to 27 during the same period. Cellphone usage has emerged as the most prevalent form of distraction while driving, significantly impairing drivers’ reaction times and substantially increasing the risk of accidents.
Addressing distracted driving poses challenges, particularly concerning accurate data reporting during road crash investigations. Often, instances of distracted driving may not be adequately recorded, leading to incomplete data on the actual causes of accidents. Experts underscore the need to improve crash investigations and data reporting to include distracted driving as a potential contributing factor behind accidents.
A comprehensive study conducted by the SaveLIFE Foundation in 2017 across eight Indian cities, including Mumbai, shed light on the prevalence of distracted driving behaviors. The study found that nearly half of the drivers received calls on their cellphones while driving, and a significant number engaged in sudden braking while using their phones.
Piyush Tewari, CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, supports the deployment of AI-based cameras to capture violations, deeming it a dynamic solution to enforce against distracted driving. The ongoing testing of AI cameras on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway holds promise for potential implementation throughout the country, bolstering road safety measures.
Dr. Ravinder Singal, Additional Director General of Police (State Traffic), emphasizes the importance of curbing distracted driving violations to safeguard both the violators and potential victims. The highway police in Maharashtra have intensified their enforcement efforts, issuing thousands of e-challans per month for distracted driving. With the introduction of AI cameras, it is hoped that these efforts will yield even more robust results in promoting safer driving practices and reducing road accidents.
