2011
Some drivers are using the technology of their smartphones to gain information about the road or gain information on how to evade the police. The answer probably depends on what type of driver you speak with. The technology some drivers are using are smartphone and GPS applications that provide information on benign topics like speed limits and school zones. The applications also provide information on controversial topics like DUI checkpoints and speed and red-light cameras. Some police believe the use of the apps for controversial purposes will eventually cause more car accidents.
Some of the names of applications used by drivers are Fuzz Alert, Trapster and Cobra's iRadar. One of the most popular smartphone and GPS applications is called PhantomAlert. Like its cousins, the application provides drivers information on speed limits, school zones, red-light cameras and DUI checkpoints. Some police believe the only reason a person would use the DUI checkpoint aspect of the application is to drink and drive and avoid police. The same officers believe those type of users only think about one consequence of drinking and driving and not about the consequence of causing a deadly car accident.
Other police officers have another perspective -- at least on the non-DUI features. One police officer from Virginia Beach has actually helped GPS companies verify red-light camera information. The officer believes the applications make drivers more aware, and that if using the technology helps them comply with the law, then the technology is beneficial. One retired firefighter from Newport News, Virginia uses the PhantomAlert app to stay alert on roads he travels every day. He believes people are less aware when they travel familiar roads and the app helps him stay on top of his driving game.
Source: USA Today, "High-tech apps help drivers evade police," Larry Copeland, 3/21/11
Tags: DUI checkpoints, GPS apps, car accident, drinking and driving, smartphone appsComments: Leave a commentView the Original article