Minnesota police issue citations after deploying AI cameras for distracted driving

In Minnesota, law enforcement is tackling the issue of distracted driving with the implementation of AI technology. The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department has deployed cameras built by Acusensus, an Australian company, to identify drivers using their phones while on the road. The initiative began on February 1, and Sergeant Adam Moore spoke about the alarming rise in distracted driving accidents, citing at least five fatal crashes on Highway 7 alone in 2024. The technology was introduced in response to community concerns, with funding partially provided by a $400,000 state grant. Privacy concerns were addressed by officials, who indicated that captured images are deleted within 15 minutes if no action is taken by police. However, the department reviews footage before issuing citations, ensuring that only cases of genuine distracted driving lead to traffic stops. As of mid-February, over 100 drivers had been stopped, resulting in approximately 70 citations. The initiative is expected to identify tens of thousands of distracted drivers by the end of the month, emphasizing the urgent need for safer driving practices. In addition, Minneapolis is set to install speed cameras at identified trouble spots starting August 1, with the aim to improve traffic safety. The pilot program may involve up to 42 cameras over four years. Ethan Fawley, the program coordinator for the city's Vision Zero initiative, noted the alarming statistic of over 40 fatalities linked to speed-related crashes in the past three years. Similar programs in various states have yielded positive results and community input has been sought for optimal camera placements. Overall, these measures reflect a broader trend in law enforcement leveraging technology to enhance road safety, serving as a proactive step to mitigate risks associated with speeding and distracted driving. The hope is that increased surveillance will lead to greater compliance with traffic laws and ultimately reduce the number of accidents on Minnesota roads.