A new University of Alberta (U of A) research project is testing the use of artificial intelligence to identify distracted drivers who use cell phones while on their commute..The three week project uses automated technology developed by Acusensus at select Edmonton locations, with sensors capturing high resolution images through windshields..According to U of A, the artificial intelligence is trained to detect phone use from large datasets, allowing the system to pick up on multiple cues that may indicate distracted driving..“As cell phones become more pervasive and automotive manufacturers market cars as entertainment centers, distracted driving is a growing safety problem,” Karim El-Basyouny, a professor of engineering and Urban Traffic Safety Research Chair at the U of A said..“Yet enforcement for distracted driving strains police resources, is difficult to detect, and is subject to possible bias from officers who must interpret behaviour and body position to determine an offence. Automated technologies can reduce these issues and provide a more equitable enforcement method.” El-Basyouny said with regards to statistics rates of distracted driving are lacking in Canada, with none currently available for the City of Edmonton..Through the pilot project El-Basyouny hopes to establish the prevalence of distracted driving in Edmonton and test the effectiveness of the technology..He said the findings will also help inform the city’s future decisions on the use of such technology in improving safety and contributing to the city’s goal of ‘Vision Zero' which is a plan to reduce traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities to zero through safer, more livable streets by 2032..“It's important that we continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of Edmontonians by supporting safe streets for all,” Jessica Lamarre, director of safe mobility for the City of Edmonton said..“This project provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the prevalence and safety impacts of distracted driving on our streets through the creative use of new technology alongside our talented research partners at the University of Alberta."
A new University of Alberta (U of A) research project is testing the use of artificial intelligence to identify distracted drivers who use cell phones while on their commute..The three week project uses automated technology developed by Acusensus at select Edmonton locations, with sensors capturing high resolution images through windshields..According to U of A, the artificial intelligence is trained to detect phone use from large datasets, allowing the system to pick up on multiple cues that may indicate distracted driving..“As cell phones become more pervasive and automotive manufacturers market cars as entertainment centers, distracted driving is a growing safety problem,” Karim El-Basyouny, a professor of engineering and Urban Traffic Safety Research Chair at the U of A said..“Yet enforcement for distracted driving strains police resources, is difficult to detect, and is subject to possible bias from officers who must interpret behaviour and body position to determine an offence. Automated technologies can reduce these issues and provide a more equitable enforcement method.” El-Basyouny said with regards to statistics rates of distracted driving are lacking in Canada, with none currently available for the City of Edmonton..Through the pilot project El-Basyouny hopes to establish the prevalence of distracted driving in Edmonton and test the effectiveness of the technology..He said the findings will also help inform the city’s future decisions on the use of such technology in improving safety and contributing to the city’s goal of ‘Vision Zero' which is a plan to reduce traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities to zero through safer, more livable streets by 2032..“It's important that we continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of Edmontonians by supporting safe streets for all,” Jessica Lamarre, director of safe mobility for the City of Edmonton said..“This project provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the prevalence and safety impacts of distracted driving on our streets through the creative use of new technology alongside our talented research partners at the University of Alberta."
