Trapster (free)® alerts you of speed traps & other hazards

drunkmonkey

I though this APP/Program deserved a Thread of it's own.

For anyone not sure what it is, it's a program that runs on smart devices and phones such as Nokia, Samsung, Apple, Blackberry, Sony Ericsson, it also works on Some Sat Nav's from Tom Tom and Garmin.

How does it work?
Users submit speed traps, enforcement cameras, and road hazards, that then alert all Trapster users in the area. It's high-tech version of flashing your headlights to alert drivers of potential road hazards.

For it to work properly and alert as many people as possible in Ireland it needs your input, so when you spot something of relevance such as a speed trap or an accident your can let eveyone else know in real time.

To see a demo of how it works, see here http://www.trapster.com/presentation.php

Trapster is a free program but will require a data connection on your phone so make sure you have one with your mobile phone operator before using the application as it can be expensive without a data add on.

You can download Trapster for your smart device here http://www.trapster.com/download_phones.php

I've added a pole so we can gauge how many people are using it at present.

Atomic Pineapple

There already is a thread about it.

BrianD3

It sounds good but it's only as good as the data put into it. On several occasions I have had work colleagues and friends tell me about how there was definitely a gatso van at a certain location - but when I've gone to investigate it usually turned out to be a builder's van. If the same thing happens with Trapster it will be full of false reports as people get excited by every van and luminous jacket wearer they see.

Similarly I've seen several reports on irishspeedtraps where someone thought they saw a gatso but wasn't sure, that's not much help. Then there's AA roadwatch where someone rings in to say a specific road is "lethal" due to ice when in fact its no worse than any other road.

AFAIK there are only 45 of these new vans for the whole country and someone said here that only 15 of then will be operating at the start. The chances of getting caught or even seeing one are small. Of course there's also the normal Garda speed traps but they are a rare sight IME.

drunkmonkey

No harm in another one, we need as many people as possible using this for it to be success.

cadaliac

tbh I can't see this taking off.
There was a "coyote community" launched about a year ago that worked on the same principal - however I don't think it was a success.
Anyway, apart from what BrianD3 was saying, with which I also agree, there are more fundamental flaws.
Firstly, data connection to be live on your PDA/smart phone. Not everyone will be included in a data add on package. (Taking myself as an example). I have a Nokia Smart phone but do not have a data add on included in my package so It will cost me money to update when I am on the road. (unless there is free wifi on route?). So that’s me out.
Secondly, the speed at which this will happen. Even if you have a lay-by or a proper place to stop and enter the data, most people will be on a commute home/to work and be on their own in the car. In this instance I would suspect people not to bother adding data while driving, for the fear of getting caught handling a mobile phone/PDA while driving. That is of course if they are on their own, or indeed with young children/ people who are technology illiterate in the car.
The principle idea is good but getting everyone on board will be very difficult.
As soon as you pass the point you will have to update and flood the community of drivers with this info. The other point is that the central server will have you on GPS at all times. That in itself is an invasion of privacy.

Tabnabs

I downloaded it and used it on the iPhone yesterday. Good idea but it eats the battery so not so great.