AI camera spots driver cuddling dog on main road

time：2026-02-13Popularity：Author： Jonathan Morris

The image shows an overhead, black‑and‑white view of a person driving a vehicle while holding a small dog close to their chest. The driver’s left hand is on the steering wheel and their right arm is wrapped around the dog. The dog’s face is pressed up near the driver’s face. The camera on the A361 at Barnstaple caught a driver cuddling a dog

A driver has been reported after an AI‑equipped mobile camera spotted them driving one‑handed while cuddling a dog on a busy road.

The Devon and Cornwall Police Road Safety Team said the camera had been set up on the A361 at Barnstaple to look for people using their phones or failing to wear a seatbelt.

The team said: "Despite not being specifically programmed for this, our very own 'pet detective' camera drew our attention to this driver, who was driving one-handed whilst cuddling their pet dog."

A spokesperson said the behaviour was "clearly not a safe thing to be doing" and sent the registered keeper notice of intended prosecution "for not being in proper control of a vehicle."

The safety team said the incident was a reminder that unsecured pets can put both drivers and other road users at risk.

Police said drivers should make sure pets were safely restrained.

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tags： Artificial intelligence Devon Barnstaple Road safety