The Kingston Police, in Canada, implemented the use of drones to fine drivers who use their cell phones while driving, but the move generated great controversy on social media.
It all started when the driver Laurie Esseltine She said she was fined for using her cell phone while driving. She said that, when she stopped at the traffic lights, she noticed that she was being followed by a drone.
At that moment, she said she was scared and took out her cell phone to take photos and videos of the flying object. Soon after, she was approached by the police and received a fine for distracted driving.
Interestingly, it was the drone that monitors drivers that caused the distraction. This case caught the attention of internet users, made news in a local newspaper and, eventually, the authorities canceled the fine.
However, the city of Kingston had already been using drones to monitor traffic since May last year. THE DJI Matrice 300purchased by the police in 2021, was previously used for accident reconstructions, locating missing people, chasing fleeing suspects and monitoring large events.
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But, according to the police, the drone was idle, so they decided to use it for another function. Now, inspection is carried out by a traffic officer with the help of a drone, who, upon noticing inappropriate behavior, alerts the location of the vehicle via radio. So, the police officer gets into the car and continues the approach.
On the first day alone, 20 fines were issued for distracted driving. In Canada, using a cell phone while driving is an offense that carries a fine of 615 Canadian dollars, three points on your driver’s license and a three-day suspension of your right to drive.
Photo: Kingston Police. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
