England’s New AI Technology Targets Drunk Drivers in Devon and Cornwall

In 2022, 300 people lost their lives in drink-driving accidents across England—the highest toll since 2009. Alongside this staggering figure, 6,800 people suffered injuries in drink-driving incidents, marking a 1% rise from the previous year. These sobering statistics highlight a persistent and deadly problem on the nation’s roads.

In response, Devon and Cornwall in England are trialing groundbreaking AI-powered cameras to tackle this crisis. The Heads-Up system, the first of its kind in the world, is being tested to identify drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs before they cause harm. This innovative technology is a bold step toward reducing the tragic human cost of drink-driving and keeping roads safer for everyone.

How AI Cameras Could Revolutionize Road Safety

The Heads-Up system uses advanced AI to detect erratic driving behavior, such as sudden swerves or unusual speeds, that may indicate impairment. Once a suspicious vehicle is flagged, police stationed nearby can intercept the driver and conduct on-the-spot tests for alcohol or drug use.

What sets this technology apart is its mobility. The cameras can be swiftly relocated to different roads, ensuring drivers cannot predict where they might be monitored. Geoff Collins, UK General Manager of Acusensus, the company behind the cameras, stressed the significance of this trial: “We are all safer if we can detect impairment before it causes an incident that could ruin lives.”

Why This Trial Matters

Drink-driving is a major contributor to road fatalities, with impaired drivers six times more likely to cause a fatal crash. In Devon and Cornwall alone, police oversee a vast 14,000-mile road network, making it impossible for officers to be everywhere at once. Supt Simon Jenkinson of Devon and Cornwall Police emphasized the importance of technology in bridging this gap:

“As members of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, we’re committed to doing everything we can to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads. Embracing emerging technology such as these cameras is vital in that quest.”

Proven Success with AI Cameras

This isn’t Acusensus’s first venture into road safety. Their cameras have previously helped law enforcement catch drivers using mobile phones or failing to wear seatbelts. Expanding their use to detect drink- and drug-impaired drivers adds another layer of protection to road users.

A Campaign with Purpose

The trial is timed to coincide with December’s annual drink-driving awareness campaigns, a period when impaired driving incidents often spike. By combining cutting-edge technology with public outreach, Devon and Cornwall are setting a precedent for tackling drink-driving in innovative ways.

This world-first trial underscores the potential for technology to address long-standing issues on the road. If successful, the Heads-Up system could serve as a blueprint for broader adoption across England and beyond, saving countless lives in the process. As we confront the devastating impact of impaired driving, advancements like these remind us that innovation can be a powerful force for change.