Speed cameras could soon get smarter on Route 210 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Traffic safety advocates are proposing using AI technology to catch drivers who speed back up after passing cameras along the notoriously dangerous highway.
If approved, the new point-to-point camera system would use AI technology to track drivers’ average speed between two cameras — not just their speed as they pass a single camera. Traffic experts say the new system would catch drivers who try to game the system by only slowing down near the cameras.
A driver would get a ticket if their average speed was 12 mph or more over the speed limit.
Ernest Perkins said riding his motorcycle on Rt. 210 can be dangerous with all the cars flying by. He supports the proposal to adopt the point-to-point speed camera system.
“If you’re being honest about it, it’s a worthwhile thing to do because – I’ll admit, I’ve done it myself. So it’s a way of enforcing the law and keeping people honest,” Perkins said.
The Route 210 Traffic Safety Committee is supporting legislation that would allow for a point-to-point pilot program along the roadway. Dozens of people have died in crashes on 210 over the years, and it’s been dubbed the “highway of death.”
Ron Weiss, a member of the safety committee, said a test of the technology last year showed 70 drivers would have been cited under a point-to-point system. Four of those drivers were caught by the current speed camera system.
“They’re gaming the cameras. They’re playing this game, which puts everybody at risk, you and me at risk, while they’re playing this game on this high-speed highway,” Weiss said.
Maryland legislators would need to approve the pilot program before it could take effect.
Some drivers see it as a money grab.
“The overwhelming majority of people are responsible. So what they’re doing, once again, is just another way to try to trap people and make them pay more money,” a driver told News4.
When News4 asked Weiss what he would say to those who oppose the program, he replied: “Don’t speed.”
Supporters of the pilot program said they’re hopeful the same AI technology could be used across the state if it’s approved for Rt. 210.
Officials said the program would use the existing cameras on the highway.
from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/Hr3dtN2
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