Victoria Police has recently performed a two day operation on the area of the deals with the issuance of distracted drivers on the road where it focuses on road safety by trying to eliminate behaviors that increase the chances of road accidents. This operation stands with the other enforcement actions on road safety in Victoria and demonstrates the great risk of mobile phone use and driving, not fastening a seatbelt and other distractions on the road.
The Details of the Operations and Its Objectives
Over the two-day campaign, the electronic patrols, and mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras meticulously set up for the purpose of capturing drivers on seatbelt and mobile phone violations, the usage of which were against the law were actively in use, The cameras illegally trained with the devices and were later verified to prevent misuse; the purpose intended for no mobile phone usage while driving, which is a huge risk on the roads in Victoria, is the intended purpose of the entire procedure.
Efficacy of Monitoring Technology
AI-enabled camera trailers have since become an industry standard across the state of Victoria and beyond as each trailer is equipped with offense detection cameras equipped with IR flashes for nighttime usage as well as during any weather. Offenses flagged, which are later looked over by different officers in the department, are detected and verified by the AI. This strategy is intended for use in comprehensive programs to promote the safe use of mobile devices and seatbelt compliance in the state and beyond.[1]
Results and Effect on Law Enforcement
As usage of the devices generated a 36 percent reduction for the past year in mobile phone and seatbelt violations and infringements the over 19000 devices recorded in the past quarter, which is a significantly higher figure compared to the past with higher camera usage hours. Victoria, in contrast, was granted a legal pass on the camera, which was shown to greatly reduce the mobile phone and seatbelt action violations the state saw.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operation Duration | 2 days |
| Infringements Detected | Over 19,000 (recent quarter) |
| Reduction in Offenses | 36% decrease YoY |
| Fine for Phone Use | $611 + 4 demerit points |
| Fine for No Seatbelt | $407 + 3 demerit points |
This, also, is a good sign that driver compliance with the rules and general awareness about road safety is improving.
The Penalties and the Strategy Used to Promote Road Safety
The penalties for phonies spells are fining $611 and giving 4 demerit points. The penalties for not wearing a seatbelt result in a fine of $407 with the loss of 3 demerit points. The Road Safety Strategy in Victoria for the years 2021-2030 aims to facilitate a decreased road injuries and deaths by 2030 with investment funds allocated to the enforcement of technology and law. The strategy of focusing funds and the Road Safety Strategy also have the expectation of the government of creating public funding awareness to enforce the road safety and compliance.
General Context Around Road Safety
This is part of the rest of framework of Victoria police road safety that aims to reduce aggressive and reckless behaviors on the road like speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and running red lights. Targeted traffic enforcement on certain driving behaviors that cause the most trauma on roads while policing with the use of data reduces road trauma by most people on the road. With this enforcement also the responsible driving culture is being encouraged and reignited.
