In Nevada, authorities are rolling out a new tool to keep roads safer: a high-tech van equipped with thermal imaging and license plate reading capabilities.
The new tech: This van is set to target trucks with mechanical issues or signs of human trafficking. It can detect overheating brakes, damaged tires, and, importantly, find concealed people using thermal imaging.
- The technology was demonstrated Monday at the Sloan Truck Weigh Station, showcasing how it scans for problems.
- A key component is its ability to analyze safety scores and axle temperatures, helping troopers identify trucks that may require closer inspection.
Funding and costs: Each van costs over $700,000, fully covered by a federal grant. Nevada is following the example of states like Arizona, using these vans to boost patrol efficiency.
Why it matters: The Nevada Highway Patrol aims to use these vans to focus limited resources on high-risk vehicles, especially with increasing concerns about human trafficking, reported Las Vegas Review-Journal.
- Officials say that while they can't see through walls, the system is effective at finding "heat anomalies" that could indicate hidden people.
- This shows a commitment to protecting both truckers and the public.
Training for these systems is underway, with the first van going live this week. A second van is expected in the next few months.