Police forces worldwide are grappling with the challenge of documenting drivers who use mobile phones while driving. This difficulty arises from the need to capture clear evidence without infringing on privacy. In Israel, police had to halt the use of mobile camera arrays on highways due to privacy concerns and the requirement for human officers to review footage for cellphone use.
However, the UK has pioneered a new camera technology to address these issues. These cameras are mounted high on poles or commercial police vehicles, allowing them to capture drivers' hands without photographing their faces. This method also helps in identifying drivers not wearing seat belts. The cameras can be mobile, attached to police carts, and utilize artificial intelligence to analyze footage, thus reducing the need for human intervention.
In a similar vein, Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany is set to introduce 'mobile phone speed cameras' in 2024. These Monocams scan traffic for mobile phone use, with AI software identifying potential violations. Human officers then review these cases to confirm the offenses. This system has been successfully used in the Netherlands and is now being adopted more broadly in Germany.
The use of mobile phones while driving poses significant risks, contributing to over half of traffic accidents in Germany, according to the ADAC. The new measures in Rhineland-Palatinate are part of a broader effort to combat this dangerous behavior. Offenders face fines, points on their driving record, and potentially losing their driver's license. Repeat offenders risk being classified as incorrigible and may face harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions.
- In Israel, police have adapted by using still cameras from bridges to capture texting drivers with long-lens cameras.
- The Ministry of the Interior in Rhineland-Palatinate emphasizes that the decision to implement these technologies is made at the state level, not federal, allowing for tailored approaches to local traffic issues.
- The penalties for using a mobile phone while driving in Germany are severe, with fines starting at 100 euros and escalating with the severity of the offense. Repeat offenders or those causing accidents face even stricter consequences, including potential criminal charges and loss of insurance coverage.
