AI Cameras on Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Detect Distracted Driving and Cellphone Use
Pune, 31st July 2023: In a significant road safety initiative, an AI-based camera system is currently being tested on the busy Mumbai-Pune Expressway to identify and report instances of distracted driving or cellphone usage while driving. These cameras have proven successful in other countries in catching motorists breaking the law, such as texting while driving at high speeds. Once fully implemented, offenders will be reported to the police, aiming to deter reckless driving behaviors.
Distracted driving has been a major concern, with 382 fatalities attributed to it on Maharashtra’s roads in the last six years. In recent years, distracted driving, including activities like watching social media videos while driving, has caused around 1,100 road crashes, leading to an urgent need for effective road safety measures.
Fatalities related to distracted driving have risen, despite a decrease in the 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 use has emerged as the most prevalent form of distraction while driving, significantly impairing reaction times and increasing the risk of accidents.
One of the challenges in addressing distracted driving is accurate data reporting during road crash investigations. Often, distracted driving may not be adequately recorded, leading to incomplete data on the actual causes of accidents. Experts emphasize the need to improve crash investigations and data reporting to include distracted driving as a potential factor behind accidents.
The SaveLIFE Foundation conducted a study in 2017 across eight Indian cities, including Mumbai, highlighting the prevalence of distracted driving behaviors. The study found that nearly half of drivers received calls on their cellphones while driving, and a significant number applied sudden brakes while using their phones.
Piyush Tewari, CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, supports the deployment of AI-based cameras to capture violations, believing it to be a dynamic solution to enforce against distracted driving. The ongoing testing of AI cameras on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway gives hope for potential implementation throughout the country.
Dr. Ravinder Singal, Additional Director General of Police (State Traffic), stresses the importance of curbing distracted driving violations to protect both the violators and potential victims. The highway police in Maharashtra have increased their enforcement efforts, issuing thousands of e-challans per month for distracted driving.
