Police Issue Stern Warning After 'Pet Detective' Camera Captures Driver Cuddling Dog
Devon and Cornwall Police have issued a firm warning to motorists after an AI-enabled camera, typically used to detect mobile phone use or seatbelt violations, captured a driver cuddling their pet dog while operating a vehicle. The incident, which occurred on the A361 at Barnstaple, has led the force to dub the device a "pet detective" camera and emphasize the serious safety risks involved.
AI Camera Exposes Dangerous Driving Behaviour
The mobile AI cameras, installed across Devon to target drivers using phones or not wearing seatbelts, recently photographed a motorist with one hand on the steering wheel while holding their dog. Devon and Cornwall Police shared the image on Facebook, stating this is not "ruff justice" but a legitimate safety concern. They explained that their prosecution team experienced "a case of the collie-wobbles" upon reviewing the footage and subsequently sent the registered keeper a notice of intended prosecution for not being in proper control of the vehicle.
The police force elaborated: "This is clearly not a safe thing to be doing. You might think this is ruff justice, or that we're hounding innocent motorists, but you'd be barking up the wrong tree. This driver is in the dog house for a very good reason. Not only is their control of the car compromised, but the dog could react unpredictably at any moment, resulting in a potential collision."
Safety Recommendations and Broader Context
In their warning, police advised drivers to ensure pets are properly restrained in vehicles. They quipped: "When you're in your Land Rover, leave Rover in the back with a suitable restraint. If you're driving your Ferrari, keep your furbaby safe. If you've got your Shih Tzu in the car with you, don't drop yourself in the... well, you get the message."
This incident underscores broader road safety issues. According to Department for Transport analysis cited by the RAC, 40 percent of back seat passengers killed in car crashes between 2018 and 2023 were not wearing seat belts. Additionally, an RAC survey from 2023 found that nearly a quarter of UK drivers consider illegal mobile phone use their biggest motoring concern, with official data showing 15,300 prosecutions for phone use that year.
The use of AI technology in traffic enforcement continues to evolve, with this case highlighting how it can detect unconventional but hazardous behaviors. Authorities stress that maintaining proper control of a vehicle is paramount, whether the distraction comes from a phone, a pet, or other factors.
