Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents on German roads, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities every year. Statistics show that in most cases, mobile phone use is the reason for distraction. To combat this issue, the state of Rheinland-Pfalz is currently testing a new speed camera technology that can detect mobile phone use based on a driver’s posture.
Mobile phones have become a constant companion in our daily lives, but their use while driving is increasingly becoming a concern for safety experts. Distracted driving and the resulting lack of attention is not only the most common cause of accidents in Germany, but also in many other European countries. Smartphones are at the top of the list of distractions, including reading or writing messages, making phone calls, entering navigation destinations, and changing music.
The police have repeatedly emphasized the dangers of taking one’s eyes off the road, even for just a few seconds. Looking at a phone screen for five seconds while driving at 50 km/h means driving blind for about 70 meters. Unlocking a phone with facial recognition takes an average of two seconds, while searching for a specific song or reading a short message takes even longer. These actions significantly increase the risk of accidents.
To address this issue, a new speed camera technology called Monocam is being tested in Rheinland-Pfalz. It uses artificial intelligence to detect whether a driver is using a mobile phone, not only by observing objects in their hand but also by analyzing their posture. The camera is mounted on a bridge or other elevated location and monitors traffic in real-time. If a driver is detected using a phone, the camera takes a photo, which is then sent to trained personnel for further analysis.
The new technology is currently being tested, and only clear violations will be penalized. However, if successful, it will be implemented throughout the state next year and could potentially be used nationwide. A similar system has been successfully used in Australia for the past three years. The goal is to make the detection of mobile phone use while driving more reliable and reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving.
