The use of mobile phones while driving in a traditional way, i.e. holding it in your hand, is dangerous. The conversation in this way not only distracts the driver, but limits his manual abilities to one hand, because in the other he holds the phone. Even more threat to road users is writing SMSs that require much more attention than ordinary conversation.
Therefore, in Poland, using the phone while driving is legally prohibited. Road traffic regulations speak about this, and specifically Article 45 para. 2 points 1 of the Road Traffic Act. “The driver of the vehicle is forbidden: use while driving from a phone that requires holding a handset or microphone in hand.”
What threatens to use the phone in hand?
For driving with a phone in hand, the legislator has established quite severe penalties. If a policeman notices that the driver uses the phone while driving holding him in his hand, We are facing a fine of PLN 500 and 12 penalty points.
Does this mean, however, that you cannot use the phone while driving? Well, no.
Talking on the phone while driving is allowed provided that the driver does not hold the phone in his hand. Just put the smartphone in any handle or simply put it on the shelf, and the conversation can be used using the speakerphone, Bluetooth headphones or connect the phone to the car’s deck system. The conversation using such technical means is as legal as possible.
How do policemen catch drivers incorrectly using the phone?
Polish policemen use their own eyes to control drivers and support themselves with the technique in the form of drones with cameras, with which they conduct controls from the air.
Policemen in Germany and the Netherlands, who have more modern equipment at their disposal, have much easier work, Monocam camera systems.
How does the monocam system work?
The monocam system consists of a mobile camera connected to a computer, using special softwarewhich records dangerous behavior of drivers. System cameras are placed above the road and are adapted for use in external conditions, and look like industrial camera models. Particularly noteworthy is the software that processes recorded images.
Cameras scan the interiors of passing vehicles and in real time send photos taken to the application that Identifies individual elements of the frame.
The software automatically recognizes and means the driver’s hands and possible mobile devices within the frame. In this way, the system is able to detect whether The driver holds a smartphone in his hands or whether he has both hands on the steering wheel. If, based on such a photo, a policeman finds that the driver actually used the phone, the penalty is inevitable.
