New AI camera catches 300 drivers using phones and not wearing seatbelts in three days

Data from the Department of Transports Road Casualty Report found that 24 per cent of car occupant fatalities were not wearing a seatbelt.

Between June 2021 and June 2022, figures show that 29,804 people were killed or seriously injured on British roads.

​Safety experts are highlighting how wearing a seatbelt can be a lifesaver in the event of a car accident.

A newly installed AI camera has already caught almost 300 motorists either for not wearing their seatbelts or for using their phones in just three days.

The camera is monitoring one of Devon and Cornwall’s busiest roads to ensure all motorists are being safe and paying attention to what’s in front of them.

All images taken by the AI camera are reviewed by a human before being used as part of a conviction.

With more motoring organisations and councils looking at ways to improve road safety, the AI cameras could soon be seen around the country.

Gary Digva, founder of Snooper, said: “It is essential that parents be extra cautious when driving with children because they are known to go through phases of clicking and releasing their seatbelts.

“Never start the car engine until children, and everyone, including the driver, is securely buckled in.

“Parents should explain to their kids how important seatbelts are to their safety and warn them that there can be severe consequences if they remove them.”

If they are in the car with younger passengers, the expert suggests that they should take toys or a book to distract them.

By doing this, they are less likely to mess around with the seatbelt and potentially release it.

If this does not work and the child continues to try and unhook it, an adult should sit with them to make sure they don’t release it.

Mr Digva added: “Should a child undo the fastening, the driver should pull over as soon as it is safe and repeat how important seatbelts are to keep them safe.

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“Under no circumstances should a driver ever let anyone in the car travel without being strapped in because not only is it illegal, but it could also end in serious injury or death.”