AI caught thousands of drivers. The results from just two weeks are terrifying

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker described the findings as shocking, adding that the number of drivers posing a risk to themselves and others was much higher than expected.

The pilot program, carried out outside the Ladywood and Fallings Park fire stations, used artificial intelligence cameras to detect cases of unfastened seat belts and cell phone use while driving.

The registered staff included, among others: a photo of a front passenger holding a small child on his lap without wearing a seat belt, and of a driver holding a cell phone with both hands. Dozens of shots showed children traveling without age-appropriate seats.

Just two weeks. The numbers are staggering

In Ladywood, the technology identified 11,045 potential seat belt violations and 1,163 phone violations. Fallings Park recorded 6,030 lane-related and 757 phone-related offenses respectively. Mayor Parker said:

"The number of people risking their own lives and the lives of others - including very young children - is frankly shocking and much higher than we anticipated. I have met families who have lost loved ones due to reckless driving."

And he added:

“One never recovers from such tragedies.”

He also assured that, as part of the analysis of the pilot results, he will use all available means to improve road safety.

They were caught red-handed. Why will there be no fines?

The trial was funded by the West Midlands Regional Authority in partnership with the police and fire services. No fines or penalties are planned as a result of the pilot itself - its aim was to determine the potential scale of the problem of using phones behind the wheel and the lack of appropriate safeguards for children.

The results of this trial are currently being analyzed to consider how this advanced AI technology could be used in future policing efforts.

According to available statistics, mobile phone use was linked to 32 road fatalities on British roads last year. Unfastened seat belts contributed to the death of 133 people.