Abu Dhabi installs automated system to detect seat belt, mobile phone violations while driving

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

As part of its continuous efforts to lead the Abu Dhabi Government’s digital future, the Department of Government Support – Abu Dhabi (DGS), represented by the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA), has announced that it has completed development of its model for traffic safety and road accident reduction, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Police.

The two departments have launched the ‘VAST’ system for automated detection of seat belt and mobile phone violations, which will come into effect as of 1st January, 2021.  

The ‘VAST’ (Vehicular Attention and Safety Tracker) system,  aims to preserve the safety of drivers, passengers and all road users, as well as raising awareness and educating the community on the importance of following safe driving practices, as part of efforts to lead the digital future of the Abu Dhabi Government and enable an innovative and effective digital government.

The Abu Dhabi Police has developed a radar monitoring system to capture high-resolution images under a variety of conditions via artificial intelligence cameras, which help with analying images and rapidly detect seat belt and mobile phone violations. Offending drivers will receive an SMS notification of the violation directing them to rectify their behaviour immediately.

Mohamed Abdelhameed Al Askar, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, said: “This cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Police comes as part of ADDA’s efforts to utilise accurate data analysis and benefit from the latest technologies to enable a digital government that is proactive, personalized, collaborative and secure.

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Al Askar added: “The traffic safety and road accident reduction model will significantly contribute to reducing accident and injury rates, thus enhancing traffic safety levels across the emirate.”

Major General Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Police, said: “The Abu Dhabi Police is persistent in its efforts to promote safe driving practices and protect human lives by implementing traffic laws. The joint cooperation with the ADDA supports our vision to ensure that Abu Dhabi remains a safe and secure society.”

Al Sharifi explained that the ‘VAST’ system was implemented in five phases: Camera and Edge Devices, Image Review Module, SMS Notification, Performance Dashboard, and Model Retraining.

The Data and Modern Technology team from ADDA worked closely with the relevant team from the Abu Dhabi Police to develop this joint analytical model by collecting, tracking, analysing and processing data using artificial intelligence techniques.