[hayden]

Trapster today launched the world's first speed trap sharing social network for mobile phones. This new information sharing community gives control back to individual drivers allowing them to work together to be more aware of local speed limits and avoid hefty fines and penalties. Users alert other members to police speed traps in real time, using a simple button push on their mobile phone. The community includes a sophisticated ratings system to measure the reliability of members thereby increasing confidence in the alert data. Trapster is provided at no cost and can be downloaded at http://www.trapster.com.

[rashard]

Oh wow, this is way better than the one I used to use, on SMS, and way easier to use, I will be using it on road trips only since I only live a couple miles from where I work, and dont get on the interstate much. THanks

[deafcyclist]

I typed out an long post against this idea of an application but I thought that I would sound like i'm looking to start a flamewar so i'll just say this,

I'm against any tools that would allow peoples to circumnavigate police efforts to curb illegal speeding. Quite frankly, the only people who would find this useful would be speeding and putting others and themself on the road at risk for possibly fatal crashes.

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

[N8DBB]

We kinda sorta have something set up like this here, but we use UPOC instead and do it for traffic also.
Whenever some encounters bad traffic, they send a text to the rest of the group with the location. Then, if someone else is in that area, they can either find a way around it or if they know how far the backup is or what's causing it, they can communicate that as well. Works pretty good.
~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

[MWPatterson]

It is an interesting idea, I have used it but, since I drive the same 33 miles of interstate 2 times a day to and from work, I can almost do it in my sleep and know where most of them hide. I have been supprised a few times and this app might help but for most of use people who drive the same stretch of road each day it is not that helpful.
Now when I travel, I will be using this as I like to know where they are.

[walkiniceberg]

Nice, this is great. a few ******* cops sit at my school just waiting to ruin somebodys day.(i understand that they are just doing their job, but honestly if you're going one mile over the limit they ticket you.)at least this way i wont get screwed over again. Im not partial to speeding, in fact i mostly drive slow

[summerhowell]

Originally Posted by deafcyclist I typed out an long post against this idea of an application but I thought that I would sound like i'm looking to start a flamewar so i'll just say this, I'm against any tools that would allow peoples to circumnavigate police efforts to curb illegal speeding. Quite frankly, the only people who would find this useful would be speeding and putting others and themself on the road at risk for possibly fatal crashes. ~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

Try not to think of this application for thats as its not what its meant for. Speeders are speeders regardless of what apps are available. This is just helping everyone in understanding that there are cops around and to watch their speed. Just as a reminder that speeding isn't allowed.

[jblackfish]

I'm not for breaking the law either but there are such things as "speed traps" both in and out of town. That's why they call 'em traps.

If you've ever been "caught" by one at the bottom of a isolated hill (in the middle of no where really) where you can coast to over the speed limit raise your hand.

[karnage209]

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~ it would be better if they intergrated GPS with this so we can see where the traps are while we drive.

[kane]

anyone who commutes 2 to 4 hours a day back and forth to work can appreciate any help i hate speed traps and i hate those speed cameras even more

[CybaCowboy]

Does this world outside of North America and/or Canada?

All the time I see similar applications to this one, but they are almost always for North American and/or Canadian users...

I am in Australia.


~via my BlackBerry Curve 8300 (wap.pinstack.com)~

[nickjoedotcom]

Fricken Verizon doesn't allow for this app. to be used on their network! That is just pure hatred.

[UH8ME]

Originally Posted by jblackfish I'm not for breaking the law either but there are such things as "speed traps" both in and out of town. That's why they call 'em traps. If you've ever been "caught" by one at the bottom of a isolated hill (in the middle of no where really) where you can coast to over the speed limit raise your hand.

I know the feeling!!! Been there!

[mattdoucet]

Originally Posted by summerhowell Try not to think of this application for thats as its not what its meant for. Speeders are speeders regardless of what apps are available. This is just helping everyone in understanding that there are cops around and to watch their speed. Just as a reminder that speeding isn't allowed.

I disagree with this comment. Everyone knows its against the law and the best reminder is a ticket. This software is only for people who want to avoid tickets and know where they can speed up. This is an early warning system no different than a radar scanner. I have lost too many friends from speeding. Programs like this is just another way to find out where the cops are. That's my view. Its a free country do what you want but please drive responsible.

What's next early warning system for ride programs? Its like saying I don't drink and drive but would like to know where they are. Doesn't make sense to me

[Haguilar84]

Originally Posted by deafcyclist I'm against any tools that would allow peoples to circumnavigate police efforts to curb illegal speeding. Quite frankly, the only people who would find this useful would be speeding and putting others and themself on the road at risk for possibly fatal crashes. ~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

The flip side to your arguement is this:
There are may cops out there that wanna stop people to meet quotas. I know, officially the police don't have quotas, but let's be realistic. They will find anyway to give you a ticket, even driving 1 mile over the limit. Also, the police don't reset the radar guns, so they maybe clocking the wrong car. I got caught once in a speed trap, even thought there were 2 other cars in a 4 lane street who were in front of me, the cop stopped me because I was easy pickings and let the others go. Plus, there is no law saying I can not inform the public where a police officer is located at people have a right to know where they are at ALL TIMES!!! Its how we know they are doing their jobs. They do this already on morning radio shows so why not on your phone?

With all due respect, this is a useful tool and I am looking forward to using it!!!

[ajdamac]

Its no worse that a friend or family memeber calling or sending an email letting you know of speed traps happening that week. Cops are shader then ever, I get profiled alll the time because of the car I drive and it bs anytime I can stick it to the man and save a few bucks it is well worth it. Not to cause problems I have plenty of friend in the department so I respect what they do in the force but you alway will have shady cops.~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

[monica.simons]

not supported for ATT yet...

[Changris]

i got it running but i dunno what to do with it lol

[ajdamac]

I'm still trying to figure it out how to log in got a user name but am stuck on authernicate with server~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

[Changris]

nvm it finally found my location:D

[tmdavies01]

F The Police!! Great App!!!!!

[tmdavies01]

are they going to make this for Verizon so I can get SMS's????

[pwaugh]

Originally Posted by mattdoucet I disagree with this comment. Everyone knows its against the law and the best reminder is a ticket.

Actually, tickets are not designed to be a "reminder", or really even have a whole lot to do with speeding per se. What happens is traffic enforcement officers are assigned to areas where traffic collisions are occuring to enforce ALL traffic laws. In fact, their purpose is to lower the accident rate and save lives. In practice what actually happens is the accident scenes just get pushed around to different places.

This software is only for people who want to avoid tickets and know where they can speed up. This is an early warning system no different than a radar scanner.

While you are correct, that it is no different (in principle) from a radar detector, the truth is both are a tool that drivers use to stay more alert to their surroundings, and it works in a positive way. Evidence of this can be seen in lower insurance rates for those so equiped. Also, I can tell you from my police experience many many moons ago that the watch commander will be happy to tell you where traffic enforcement will be that day. Why? Because again their sole purpose is to get people to be more careful and obey the laws that will help reduce the chance they are in a collision.

I have lost too many friends from speeding. Programs like this is just another way to find out where the cops are. That's my view. Its a free country do what you want but please drive responsible.

Yeap, and the cops will gladly tell you where they are, and guess what? You'll
be extra careful when you drive through that area too. :D

What's next early warning system for ride programs? Its like saying I don't drink and drive but would like to know where they are. Doesn't make sense to me.

If you are DUI, no program in the world is going to save you. Just take a look at how many are arrested at check points that they drive up to!

Originally Posted by Haguilar84 The flip side to your arguement is this: There are may cops out there that wanna stop people to meet quotas. I know, officially the police don't have quotas, but let's be realistic. They will find anyway to give you a ticket, even driving 1 mile over the limit.

You are wrong. There are NO quotas, they can write as many as they want!! You are correct, that often an experienced officer can trail behind anyone for less than a half mile before they can find a "reason" to pull you over (known as PC), but unless an officer is working traffic, you are likely to not get cited unless your violation was severe.

Also, the police don't reset the radar guns, so they maybe clocking the wrong car. I got caught once in a speed trap, even thought there were 2 other cars in a 4 lane street who were in front of me, the cop stopped me because I was easy pickings and let the others go.

You clearly have never operated a radar gun. Trust me, they are dead on accurate, and well maintained and tested. Truth be told, it is an extremely simple matter to "clock" someone even passing them head on without any equipment but your eyes and your own speedometer.

Besides, it's the unmarked car you won't see, or the helicopter or plane that will get you. If you speed all the time, as a matter of habit, you will get caught. If you occassionally find yourself over the limit unintentionally, stuff like this might help you. :D

My two-cents.

[sage rat]

Originally Posted by Haguilar84 The flip side to your arguement is this: There are may cops out there that wanna stop people to meet quotas. I know, officially the police don't have quotas, but let's be realistic. They will find anyway to give you a ticket, even driving 1 mile over the limit. Also, the police don't reset the radar guns, so they maybe clocking the wrong car. I got caught once in a speed trap, even thought there were 2 other cars in a 4 lane street who were in front of me, the cop stopped me because I was easy pickings and let the others go. Plus, there is no law saying I can not inform the public where a police officer is located at people have a right to know where they are at ALL TIMES!!! Its how we know they are doing their jobs. They do this already on morning radio shows so why not on your phone? With all due respect, this is a useful tool and I am looking forward to using it!!!

I recall a few years a when an Oregon State Trooper came to speak on security to the credit union board of directors that I was on. When asked if they had quotas, he responded; "No we do not have quotas, we have "GOALS"."
:D

[rprewitt]

This reminds of an incident I encountered last year.
There was this huge speed trap set up in Kansas City where I-70 intersects with I-435. Everyone around here knows that stretch because you cannot see traffic jams until you are under the intersection.

They had 4-6 cops with radar guns without vehicles on the overpass peeking through the rails so you couldnt see them. When you passed the intersection, you can see literally dozens of cop cars and motorcycles lined up and down the onramp and tons of people pulled over on the other side of the intersection.

Anyways, I had to make a second trip through there later in the day and about a mile before I got to the intersection there was a pickup truck with a guy holding a sign that said
"Speed Trap Ahead, SLOW DOWN!!!"

Then as I passed the intersection, sure enough, they were still stationed up there peeping through the rails and all the cars and motorcycles were still lined up on the onramp. But this time no lights flashing or cars pulled over lol.
About a mile past the intersection I saw another pickup truck with another person holding a sign that said
"You're Welcome, Tips Are Welcome Too!"

That just made my whole weekend when I saw that and thought about how pissed the cops must have been when their nice setup wasnt working anymore lol.

[rprewitt]

Hmm, after trying to use this program for 3 straight days, it doesnt work with Cingular

[TheMercuryMan]

I use a CB radio. Updates automatically "full grown in the middle at the 25 and a half watching the eastbound side" "westbound ya got an evil kinevel on the overpass at the 16 with 3 chase cars " " county mounty eastbound rollin at the 46" ill check it out and see if it is as accurate as that.

[trapster]

Originally Posted by monica.simons not supported for ATT yet...

Hi, yes it works on ATT BlackBerry. About a gazillion people are using it that way.

Hmm, after trying to use this program for 3 straight days, it doesnt work with Cingular

Yes does work with Cingular BlackBerry as well, again lots using it.

Drop me an e-mail at contact@trapster.net and I'll help you sort it out.

are they going to make this for Verizon so I can get SMS's????

The Trapster voice / SMS method does and always has worked on Verizon (and on any phone). What does not work on Verizon is the GPS app. Verizon blocks location services. Some apps, e.g. Verizon Navigator are approved (aka "on deck") with Verizon.

If anyone knows how to "jailbreak" Verizon GPS on BlackBerry, please let me (us) know as there are a bunch of folks on Verizon BBs who would like to use Trapster!