Smoking a glass pipe, holding a beer bottle, and nursing a baby are just some of the astonishing acts Aussie drivers have been caught doing while behind the wheel.
New AI-powered cameras have captured drivers in Western Australia pulling off a series of unbelievable stunts as part of a major crackdown on road safety.
One image that stood out was that of a driver who appeared to be lighting up a glass pipe, which is often used for hard drugs like crystal methamphetamine.
Another motorist was even captured driving while holding a child.
A P-plater was also snapped letting their passenger hold the steering wheel while they used their phone, while one man was seen holding what appeared to be a beer bottle.
The new AI cameras were rolled out six months ago across known hotspots to try and cut the state’s death toll and crack down on unsafe driving.
A Budget Estimates hearing in the WA State Parliament on Tuesday revealed the new cameras captured 130,000 offences, with nearly 50,000 caution letters issued to drivers and passengers in breach of the road rules.
It showed that more than 800 offences and 280 letters per day were recorded by WA drivers.
A man is captured smoking a glass pipe behind the wheel in WA
A passenger is caught steering for a P-plate driver
Police said 50,000 people were caught either wearing a seatbelt incorrectly, or not at all, while another 75,000 drivers were sprung with their phone in their hand, or using it illegally.
One driver was even caught breaking the law 81 times.
Police Minister Reece Whitby said the pictures were ‘quite astounding’.
‘Not only is this person using a mobile phone, but he’s having a beer at the same time,’ he said.
‘It’s quite astounding, the figures are absolutely astounding.
‘I cannot believe that one driver has been caught offending 81 times. Another driver has been caught offending 74 times, and another 52 times. And there are 10 people detected offending more than 40 times.’
Fixed cameras were deployed at two spots on the Kwinana Freeway, while another six cameras were positioned on mobile trailers in Albany, along with another 55 around Perth’s suburbs.
The AI cameras will operate in a trial phase until October, with caution notices sent out for the next three months until the WA government starts enforcing fines.
Daily Mail Australia contacted Western Australia Police for comment.
The new AI cameras have been rolled out around Perth and on busy highways
