New technology set to revolutionise road safety: 'These things are game changers'
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As we celebrate Australia Day, there's a new road development that's less of a cause for celebration and more of a reason for caution among Aussie drivers.
The latest technology in road safety enforcement has been switched on and is set to impact how we conduct ourselves behind the wheel significantly.
This new system uses advanced monitoring tools to track driver behaviour in real time, with fines and penalties tied to any infractions. As technology becomes more widespread, drivers must stay informed and adjust their habits to avoid unexpected consequences on the road.
Six new safety camera trailers have been deployed in Western Australia, a state labelled 'consistently the worst' for road safety.
These cameras are not just any ordinary traffic monitors; they are touted as the 'most advanced in the country' and are designed to detect a range of offences, including mobile phone use, seatbelt violations, and speeding.
Introducing these cameras is a response to a worrying trend in road safety.
Western Australia has recently recorded its highest road toll in a decade, a grim milestone that underscores the need for more stringent measures to protect drivers and pedestrians alike.
The new cameras are part of a broader strategy to curb dangerous driving habits. Drivers caught by these cameras will receive a caution notice for the initial period.
This notice is intended to educate motorists about the new technology's capabilities and encourage them to change their risky driving behaviours before the entire enforcement period begins in April.
Once enforcement is in full swing, fines for mobile phone use while driving could be as steep as $1,000, accompanied by four demerit points.
The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) has welcomed the move.
'WA is consistently one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to road safety, and last year was one of the worst for road deaths in a decade,' General Manager Will Golsby expressed.
'RAC supports the use of road safety cameras to deter dangerous behaviour on WA roads, including the use of mobile phones while driving.'
During technology trials, the WA Government reported capturing tens of thousands of motorists using their phones illegally.
Introducing new cameras in Western Australia followed a record-high road toll, with Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner attributing the issue to a cultural problem.
'It’s a culture problem,' he said.
'There are over 2 million licensed drivers in WA. There [are] over 180,000 kilometres of public roads.'
'Police can’t be everywhere. They target those people who are hoons, who are flouting the laws, and they do it well.'
The RAC emphasises that distractions on the road put everyone at risk.
The Acting Safety Commissioner, Rebecca Hamilton, has addressed concerns that increasing speed cameras is merely a government revenue-raising tactic.
She insisted that these cameras are 'game changers' and that the safety camera program is funded through the Road Trauma Trust Account, which allocated 100 per cent of the revenue to projects and programs to reduce injuries and deaths on WA roads.
'Queensland and NSW have been using this equipment now for a number of years, and you can see real changes in people's behaviour,' Hamilton said.
However, it's worth noting that in Victoria, there have been instances of drivers being incorrectly fined after being photographed with a phone, leading to challenges and reviews of the fines.
With a tender out for four more 'smart cameras' for Perth freeways, motorists in WA could soon be driving on one of the nation's most camera-concentrated stretches of road.
This is part of the government's ramped-up Road Safety Strategy, which aims to make the roads safer for everyone.
As we navigate these changes, it's crucial for drivers to be aware of the new enforcement measures and to adjust their habits accordingly.
The safest choice is to avoid distractions entirely by activating the 'do not disturb' mode on mobile devices and keeping phones out of reach while driving.
In other news, Victorian authorities acknowledged potential flaws in the roadside phone and seatbelt detection cameras last year.
Despite 83,400 infringements already being issued, the Justice Department admitted that some rejected photos may not have been thoroughly reviewed. You can read more about it here.
Have you had any experiences with these new cameras or road safety enforcement measures? Please share your stories and thoughts in the comments below, and let's keep the conversation going on how we can all contribute to safer driving in Australia.
The latest technology in road safety enforcement has been switched on and is set to impact how we conduct ourselves behind the wheel significantly.
This new system uses advanced monitoring tools to track driver behaviour in real time, with fines and penalties tied to any infractions. As technology becomes more widespread, drivers must stay informed and adjust their habits to avoid unexpected consequences on the road.
Six new safety camera trailers have been deployed in Western Australia, a state labelled 'consistently the worst' for road safety.
These cameras are not just any ordinary traffic monitors; they are touted as the 'most advanced in the country' and are designed to detect a range of offences, including mobile phone use, seatbelt violations, and speeding.
Introducing these cameras is a response to a worrying trend in road safety.
New safety camera trailers are being implemented on Western Australia roads to target mobile phone use, seatbelt offences, and speeding. Credit: Michele Jackson / iStock
Western Australia has recently recorded its highest road toll in a decade, a grim milestone that underscores the need for more stringent measures to protect drivers and pedestrians alike.
The new cameras are part of a broader strategy to curb dangerous driving habits. Drivers caught by these cameras will receive a caution notice for the initial period.
This notice is intended to educate motorists about the new technology's capabilities and encourage them to change their risky driving behaviours before the entire enforcement period begins in April.
Once enforcement is in full swing, fines for mobile phone use while driving could be as steep as $1,000, accompanied by four demerit points.
The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) has welcomed the move.
'WA is consistently one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to road safety, and last year was one of the worst for road deaths in a decade,' General Manager Will Golsby expressed.
'RAC supports the use of road safety cameras to deter dangerous behaviour on WA roads, including the use of mobile phones while driving.'
During technology trials, the WA Government reported capturing tens of thousands of motorists using their phones illegally.
Introducing new cameras in Western Australia followed a record-high road toll, with Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner attributing the issue to a cultural problem.
'It’s a culture problem,' he said.
'There are over 2 million licensed drivers in WA. There [are] over 180,000 kilometres of public roads.'
'Police can’t be everywhere. They target those people who are hoons, who are flouting the laws, and they do it well.'
The RAC emphasises that distractions on the road put everyone at risk.
The Acting Safety Commissioner, Rebecca Hamilton, has addressed concerns that increasing speed cameras is merely a government revenue-raising tactic.
She insisted that these cameras are 'game changers' and that the safety camera program is funded through the Road Trauma Trust Account, which allocated 100 per cent of the revenue to projects and programs to reduce injuries and deaths on WA roads.
'Queensland and NSW have been using this equipment now for a number of years, and you can see real changes in people's behaviour,' Hamilton said.
However, it's worth noting that in Victoria, there have been instances of drivers being incorrectly fined after being photographed with a phone, leading to challenges and reviews of the fines.
With a tender out for four more 'smart cameras' for Perth freeways, motorists in WA could soon be driving on one of the nation's most camera-concentrated stretches of road.
This is part of the government's ramped-up Road Safety Strategy, which aims to make the roads safer for everyone.
As we navigate these changes, it's crucial for drivers to be aware of the new enforcement measures and to adjust their habits accordingly.
The safest choice is to avoid distractions entirely by activating the 'do not disturb' mode on mobile devices and keeping phones out of reach while driving.
In other news, Victorian authorities acknowledged potential flaws in the roadside phone and seatbelt detection cameras last year.
Despite 83,400 infringements already being issued, the Justice Department admitted that some rejected photos may not have been thoroughly reviewed. You can read more about it here.
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