West Metro police test “AI technology” to dissuade driving distraction

Western metro police use new technologies to try to stop driving.

You may notice a large orange structure along Highway 7, and this is because it is part of a subsidy of $ 450,000 at the Highway 7 Safety Coalition.

“We were a little creative with the subsidy,” said the SGT. Adam Moore with the South Lake Minnetonka police service.

Sgt. Moore says that as communities here develop, traffic is worse and that has led to more accidents. One of the biggest problems is driving distraction.

“It’s very worrying,” said the SGT. Said Moore.

The Highway 7 Safety Coalition has teamed up with Acusensus to use what they say to be artificial intelligence technology to report drivers who do not practice safety habits.

“Going up to the driver, telling them that I have a photo of you with the phone in your right hand, it is really difficult for them to deny it,” said the SGT. Said Moore.

This technology works quickly. If he captures someone without a seat belt on or with a phone in hand, he will let a patrol officer know within five seconds.

“As far as I’m concerned, this is the first time that has been used in Minnesota,” said the SGT. Said Moore.

“I think about it every day,” said Amy Lavalle, who lost her son in a distracted driving accident.

Lavalle lost his 19 -year -old son, Phillip, in 2013, when he was absent for a race and then struck and killed by a distracted driver.

“It’s totally avoidable, these things should not happen,” said Lavalle.

Today, she works as a defender of safer roads, organizing “Just Drive Day” for the 10th year this spring. She applauds the police for this proactive approach.

“People obviously use their phone, they don’t care, so I think it’s great,” said Lavalle.

It is important to note that if the police do not pull you, all the photos taken by this technology are deleted.

Friday, our camera with 5 eyewitnesses saw the structure in Shorewood but do not get there in one place because the SGT. Moore says it will be in different places along Highway 7 for next year.

“We are trying to educate people, we want people to put their phones,” said the SGT. Said Moore.