In brief: New software uses cameras and AI to tell if you're texting and driving. This technology could work together with autonomous vehicles to save lives.

Safer roads

According to The National Safety Council, every year in the U.S., 1.6 million accidents are reportedly caused by texting and driving. That is 1 out of every 4 accidents. The question is, if we know how dangerous and potentially fatal texting and driving is — why don’t we stop?

Get the mach newsletter. This site is protected by recaptcha

Pretty soon, your car might play a role in getting you to put the phone down on the road: researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed algorithms that uses cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect when you’re driving distracted — including when you’re using your phone. This system can detect signs of distraction, which could be caused by texting or talking on the phone, reaching into the backseat, or anything else that causes a change in head and face position. This study builds on previous research that aimed to recognize tired driving, which can cause excessive blinking, yawning, etc. in drivers.

The researchers hope that as self-driving capabilities continue to be incorporated into cars, this software could help protect you and others on the road. At the very least, if you can’t (or won’t) put your phone down, technology like this could be used to help your car pick up the slack.