What Are Those Orange Boxes Monitoring on San Diego’s Highways?

Those mysterious orange boxes with cameras that have been popping up along San Diego County highways are part of a UC San Diego research project aimed at monitoring risky driving behaviors.

Dr. Ryan Moran, who works as both a general practitioner and a researcher at UCSD’s School of Public Health, verified that these devices are being used for their current research project.

Each year, approximately 35,000 to 45,000 individuals lose their lives on roads across the nation… this represents a significant public health issue,” Moran stated to CBS 8.

These cameras aim to observe the driving habits deemed most risky by researchers.

“These specific issues include speeding, using a handheld cellphone, and not wearing a seatbelt,” Moran stated.

He further mentioned that the cameras are aimed at commercial trucks, not regular cars.

In response to privacy worries, Moran stressed, “No individual data is gathered whatsoever. The system does not retain specifics about particular vehicles; it merely targets bigger ones for now.”

He likewise confirmed that the authorities have no way of accessing the collected data.

Moran said there’s absolutely no possibility—or any desire for implementation.

The research, which has lasted approximately one and a half years, includes relocating the AI-assisted cameras throughout the region. Although data collection continues, Moran revealed an early insight: “We frequently act more recklessly when we perceive ourselves as safer… and this poses a significant issue.”

Studies reveal that the majority of infractions happen during weekends, early mornings, and late evenings.

The research isn’t finished just yet, but Moran assured that CBS 8 viewers will be updated once it is completed.

These cameras are part of an extensive initiative aimed at understanding and possibly decreasing traffic-related casualties and accidents on San Diego’s streets.