Driving with a mobile phone costing nearly 450 lives in Rhinhessen

The Monocam, a device designed to capture instances of drivers using their mobile phones while driving, has been successfully integrated into the daily service of the Mainz Police Presidency. Since July, it has been in operation on the A60 near Ingelheim and A61 near Gundheim.

The Monocam uses special software to detect if drivers are talking on their phones or looking at them. So far, it has captured 437 instances of such behaviour. This concrete evidence provided by the Monocam's photography has been instrumental in enforcing fines, reducing objections from those caught.

The police spokesman, Markus Weyerhäuser, confirmed that the use of the Monocam is easily integrated into daily service. The device will remain in use in Ingelheim and Gundheim until the end of September. After this period, its future use is still being planned, with a likelihood of being deployed again in the Police Presidency of Trier.

The police emphasize the great danger posed by distracted drivers. They state that looking at a phone for just two seconds at 130 km/h means not seeing what's ahead for 70 meters. Reading Instagram stories for even just one second at 150 km/h can mean missing 40 meters of road.

Knowing that there are controls like the Monocam can deter drivers from using their phones while driving. Those caught by the Monocam face a fine of 100 euros and one point on their license. The Monocam, in addition to capturing instances of phone usage, also has a preventive effect, making drivers more cautious and potentially improving road safety.

The Mainz Police Presidency is responsible for enforcing fines for using a phone while driving caught by the Monocam. After September, the fate of the Monocam in Ingelheim and Gundheim remains uncertain, with no new information about which authority plans to continue using the device after this period.

However, the police are satisfied with the Monocam as it aids in evidence gathering. In the past, it was often difficult to prove that a driver was using their phone while driving, but the Monocam helps with this. The search results do not provide information about the concrete evidence provided by the Monocam's photography.

The Monocam has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing distracted driving and improving road safety. As it continues its operation, drivers are reminded to keep their focus on the road and avoid using their mobile phones while driving.