Devon and Cornwall, two counties in England, have become the testing ground for an intriguing device: an artificial intelligence-equipped camera named Heads-Up, capable of identifying suspicious driving behaviors in real time. How does it work? The technology monitors several parameters such as speed, trajectory, and how the vehicle behaves on the road. If something seems off, a team of police officers positioned nearby intercepts the driver to check if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“This system replicates what an experienced police officer would do when monitoring drivers,” explains Geoff Collins, CEO of Acusensus, the company behind the camera. According to him, this technology aims to detect signs of impairment before an accident occurs, which is particularly appealing given that drunk drivers are six times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
Currently, this camera is in the testing phase and can be installed anywhere without notice, often leaving drivers unaware until they are stopped. However, this remains an experiment. “We are still in the early stages and need to find the right balance between catching truly dangerous drivers and not causing unnecessary alarm,” Collins emphasizes. Meanwhile, regional initiatives are being implemented to minimize risks during the holiday season, including a nighttime bus service to prevent drivers from getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking.
