Getting AI cameras for seatbelt and phone detection for drivers is the perfect way to transform safety protocols in your fleet. AI detection can monitor poor driving habits, alert drivers so they can quickly correct their actions, and keep records of offences so you can coach your drivers if they repeatedly commit them.
Did you know that the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reported a staggering 11,418 road fatalities in 2025, largely because of human error like phone use and distraction? It’s clear that for any company with a fleet, implementing smart technologies and cameras is the best way to stop simple, preventable habits from becoming major financial hits to your business.
Don’t get caught without the right safety measures in place. Learn more about seatbelt cameras, the importance of AI in detecting distractions, and how Cartrack can give you the ultimate safety boost.
AI cameras work to detect seatbelt and phone use by tracking and tracing the actions of the driver and, in some cases, the passenger. The AI component of camera technology is responsible for flagging violative actions, analysing the flagged images and videos, recording them as an offence, and notifying the driver & fleet manager.
A typical in-cabin AI detection system works by identifying high-risk driving behaviours and generating an event. For example, if your driver is on the road and they bring their phone up to their ear for a call, AI will recognise that as phone use and record it as an event.
Here’s an illustration to give you an idea:
It’s understood that AI doesn’t always get it right. AI is still a computer, and computers recognise patterns rather than specific situations in context. The wrong lighting or an everyday object could mess with the AI's ability to process an image or just confuse it for something else.
While this may be the case, this technology continues to develop and progress every day.
Rather err on the side of caution and make sure your safety measures are up-to-date than risk a vulnerable fleet.
Fleets are using AI technologies for distraction detection because they want to move from reactive to proactive safety management. This move also allows you to empower yourself and your team, confident that innovative tech is keeping you ahead and compliant.
Here are some significant reasons fleets adopt AI technologies:
While standard dashcams are perfect for capturing what happens on the road and inside the cabin, they don’t take the extra necessary safety step that AI cameras do. AI cameras take away the need for you to carefully watch hours of footage just to see how your drivers behave on the road.
Because AI cameras produce automated reports of events for each driver, you can train your drivers based on their specific high-risk habits. Individualised critiques and training will likely yield better results, rather than a broad, blanket training approach.
With AI cameras triggering event alerts as they happen, this means drivers can correct their actions in real time. This minimises the chances of incidents and accidents, positively snowballing into better insurance rates and fewer legal issues.
When you're taking every measure possible to ensure your drivers are safe and looked after, they understand that they’re valued as employees. You’re showing them that you’re interested in their safety, well-being, and growth. This kind of careful investment can increase driver retention, keeping drivers loyal to your business.
Yes, seatbelt cameras are on the cards for South Africa. Seatbelt cameras are different from in-cabin, fleet AI cameras in that they’re government-owned roadside cameras with AI capabilities. The cameras are high-resolution and elevation-angled, taking pictures through the windscreen, and the AI technology is meant to analyse the images for an offence.
The cameras consistently scan every car driving by. If there’s no offence, the systems will dismiss the scanned image. If there’s a potential offence, independent human reviewers will look over the image and confirm it.
In partnership with the RTMC, this system has been piloted in Cape Town, although the government is still seeking legal approval for a full rollout. During the trial period, the system was able to issue fines to motorists, but those were subsequently thrown out once challenged by motorists.
While the country waits for the seatbelt camera to be greenlit, your fleet can’t afford to wait. You can take matters into your own hands and make things safer for your drivers, your business, and other motorists.
Yes, Cartrack does offer AI cameras for seatbelt and phone detection. In fact, our AI technology extends beyond that, monitoring and keeping a record of:
Drivers are audibly alerted in real time so that they can quickly correct their transgression. They can also get a gentle jolt from our Seat Vibrator, which acts as an additional warning for drivers who may’ve missed the audible alert.
The physically disruptive technique of the Seat Vibrator is an especially powerful feature for your long-haul drivers who are likely to face extreme exhaustion. It gives them time to react accordingly, either coming back to their senses and regaining focus or pulling over to the nearest and safest stop.
What’s more…
As part of our AI camera offerings, you can get up to 8 external cameras to monitor spots around your fleet vehicle and cargo doors. You’ll also be able to livestream footage so you can check in on your drivers and also view or request footage.
Cartrack’s in-cabin system ALREADY consistently reminds your drivers to buckle up and stay off their phones. So, when it’s time for the government-implemented seatbelt cameras to roll out, your fleet will be fully compliant and steering clear of any fines.
South Africa is taking a huge leap forward in road safety. With the number of fatalities that occur on our roads each year, it’s no wonder the country is looking towards intelligent technologies to promote preventative actions and accountability for drivers. But while the country waits for the legal go-ahead, you can take safety matters into your own hands.
Cartrack gives you the power to implement seatbelt, phone, and other distracting-habit detections through our AI-powered camera solutions. You can stay ahead in protecting your team, your assets, and your company’s reputation—all from one platform.
Don’t allow blind spots in your fleet. Speak to a Cartrack consultant today to see how we can protect your fleet and its most precious assets, one kilometre at a time!
Learn how AI cameras for seatbelt and mobile phone detection catch distracted driving in real time and lower your risk of costly accidents.
