As long as I am a driver, I always remember people were
flashing their headlights at oncoming traffic, trying to warn fellow drivers on
the speed traps and police cars on the road. Whether it's right or wrong, that
sort of helpfulness has gone high-tech.
At first, there were anti-radars. In some countries
they are legal, in other – they are outlawed. The lack of the international
consistency tells a lot on the controversial subject. Let’s admit, if we are
not violating any traffic laws, we should not be afraid of police. Definitely,
I refer to the civilized countries only, where traffic police is not one of the
multiple money extorting government-supported groups. So, the gadget assists
the violators to get unpunished? True, and wrong. Look on the topic from other
perspective. Driver gets warning and slows down, “wakes up”, becomes more alert
and assertive. The overall outcome is quite positive. That is why, most of the
schools and government buildings are equipped with radar-type devices, forcing
the passer-by cars, equipped with anti-radar to slow down.
With Internet penetration, the new web communities
were developed, sharing information among users on speed traps, hidden cameras,
and other annoying elements of the enforcement agencies. However, their usefulness
was quite limited before these services became really mobile, in a form of
smart phones applications. In this post, we will review several apps for your
mobile phones.
- Trapster
Trapster, is
probably one of the most popular such applications. With improved mobile phone
GPS and location detection, it allows users of iPhones, Blackberies, Droids and
other GPS devices to do much more than just warn of speed traps, but to offer
tips on enforcement cameras and road hazards. With nearly 15 million users
(reporting on more than 5 million traps), chances are the road you’re driving
at any given time has somebody reporting what’s up ahead. You can also make it
a mobile social network, spotting your friends on the road in real time…kind of
the smartphone equivalent of CB Radio.
The app can deliver voice alerts as you approach a
trap or if you exceed a speed limit. You have the option of becoming a member
of Trapster's network and reporting speed traps, cameras, or other traffic
hazards, or confirming existing ones. Users can also mark road hazards,
breakdowns, and construction sites for the benefit of their fellow drivers. On
trips over unfamiliar roads, this app is essential.
Video Presentation:
- Waze
Another very popular app is Waze. It also works with the
major smartphones, but it functions more like an online driving community. You
get tips on how to outsmart traffic jams, directions and navigation info and,
of course, warnings of traffic enforcement zones. You can even make it a game,
racking up points by making frequent reports. Just drive around with the app on
and it gathers and shares traffic conditions, alerting you to slowdowns and
hazards up ahead.
Video Presentation:
Sources
and Additional Information:
2 comments:
nice blog. i liked it!
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