'Third eye' anti-accident technology trialled in taxis
New 'third eye' cameras have been introduced to NSW taxis in a trial to prevent accidents.
The cameras act as a third eye for drivers and use artificial intelligence to give a split second warning when they are at risk of colliding with pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
“We are talking about collision prevention technology, which is looking at the road as you do, but the main difference is that it is looking all the time,” Michael Hirsh from Mobileye said.
"This is the technology that is found in top end cars,” he said.
The device is in 20 cabs across NSW for a five-month trial.
If successful, the owners of the technology hope to have it rolled out in taxis across the country.
Taxi driver Nicholas has been using Mobileye and says it has ‘definitely’ helped him.
"Anything that can enhance our driving and safety is paramount,” taxi driver Nicholas said.
“There was a time there when it definitely avoided me from hitting someone who had just popped out in front of me.”
The systems are not without criticism.
The pedestrian council's Harold Scruby supports the idea but cautions against seeing it as a ‘save all’ solution.
“Our concerns are that there are now so many distractions inside teh motor vehicle,” he said.
“If the driver is looking at the device more than the road, that may become a driver distraction and that's our concern.”
“The technology is so advanced that it is not driving you crazy, there is no bells and whistles, but it is there for those critical situations,” said Michael Hirsh.
