Who knew wearing my hair in a bun could save me $423?
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I am one of thousands of drivers fined for seatbelt non-compliance in NSW last year.
However, a closer look at the artificial intelligence (AI) detected photos shows I have not broken the law - and making me prove it in court is a waste of time and money.
Double demerits and $423
I was snapped by a NSW camera while driving on the Hume Highway late at night just after Christmas last year. Judging from the expression on my face, I was surprised to see the flash go off.
A few weeks ago, I received a notice telling me I owed $423 for not wearing a seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened. Double demerits mean I also lose 12 points.
I knew something was wrong. I am not the best driver in the world - and no stranger to parking tickets and even speeding fines - but I always wear my seatbelt properly while driving.
The greyscale photos, taken at night, are poor quality. In one image, the seatbelt is not discernible, but in another it does look like the belt could be under my armpit.
When I sent the photos to friends and family, one pointed out that my hair is covering the sash.
I used basic photo editing software to increase the contrast and zoom in (you can do this on your phone), which made it even clearer that my hair is covering the belt.
It also shows how deceptive the other image, taken within seconds of the other, is. Even after editing the photo, you cannot see my seatbelt.
AI cameras have changed everything
Many Australian states and territories have been using AI to catch drivers holding phones and wearing seatbelts incorrectly or not at all.
Canberra motorists were charged $3.1 million when five new traffic detection cameras captured 3601 seatbelt offences in 36 days.
One mother had to dispute an infringement multiple times before the government would accept the infrared camera had mistaken her for another driver in a different car. Another man said he intentionally held his plastic phone case to prove the cameras were flawed.
The federal government says more people are caught breaking mobile and seatbelt laws when camera detection is first introduced.
Non-compliance drops about two years later, suggesting people might be improving their driving behaviour.
This is important, because wearing seatbelts - properly - saves lives.
Most people know they are 10 times more likely to die in a crash when not wearing a seatbelt.
But according to a study by Queensland University of Technology researchers, incorrect use is also very dangerous. As well as reducing the seatbelt's effectiveness, the sash can cause severe internal injuries during a crash.
The study said newly introduced Queensland cameras detected more people wearing a seatbelt incorrectly than not at all.
I'm not opposed to using AI to support police and compliance. NSW is using new technologies for many worthy reasons, like identifying and recording near-miss crashes and accidents, predicting driver fatigue, and alerting people of wildlife on roads.
How to fix it
My problem is I now have to contest a fine in an interstate court (I live in the ACT) to avoid paying for something I never did.
Compliance staff should be given the time and resources to review photos properly, and be told to dismiss ambiguous cases.
Camera technology needs to be improved so it takes better quality or higher contrast images, and avoid spots with inconsistent lighting or shadows.
Finally, there needs to be a step before making a driver contest a fine in court, such as allowing drivers request a review from Revenue NSW.
