Drone technology is revolutionizing how law enforcement monitors and ensures road safety in the city of Kingston. The police have deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to observe and penalize instances of distracted driving—particularly the use of mobile phones while operating a vehicle. This initiative marks not only a significant technological advancement but also delivers a clear message: no driver is beyond the eye in the sky.
Equipped with high-powered zoom lenses, drones silently patrol the skies, capturing footage of violations from above. Upon detecting a driver using a phone, real-time information is relayed to officers stationed nearby, enabling swift vehicle stops and immediate issuance of citations. As a result, 20 drivers were penalized in a single day during this focused enforcement campaign.
Under current legislation, operating a mobile phone while driving carries a minimum fine of CAD 615, three demerit points, a three-day driver’s license suspension, and a reinstatement fee of CAD 281. For novice drivers, the consequences are more severe, including a 30-day license suspension upon first offense.
Drones: A Symbol of a New Warning from the Skies
Without the need for sirens or flashing lights, drones quietly observe and document every moment of distraction. Amid rising incidents of traffic accidents caused by inattention, Kingston is spearheading a new paradigm: leveraging aerial technology to elevate traffic law enforcement—both figuratively and literally.
