The NY Post reports: It’s a scofflaw’s dream – new GPS software that alerts New York City drivers to red-light cameras, speed traps and DWI checkpoints so they can steer clear of cops and traffic tickets.
“The system gives you enough time to correct any dopey thing you’re about to do,” said Brooklyn subway conductor John Carlson, 49, who bought the software, and said it “absolutely” has helped him avoid tickets.
“I’m from the school where green means go, red means stop, and yellow means go very, very fast,” Carlson said. “So this system not only saves me from tickets, but it has helped me be a better, more alert driver. I don’t do that anymore.”
The software database of law-enforcement locations can be downloaded to a variety of vehicle GPS systems for $10 a month, $40 a year or $100 for life. The database is compiled by drivers, who upload locations as they find them.
The Big Apple database includes all 300 red-light cameras and dozens of police traps.
Small icons – such as a martini glass for a DWI checkpoint on some systems – appear on the screen map to alert drivers, while an alarm sounds and a warning message flashes.
The Post test-drove the system in Queens last week, and it identified at least six cameras and three speed traps from 1,000 feet away.
Some of the DWI and speed traps are not active all the time, and only a third of the 300 cameras are active at any given moment, but the company founder Joe Scott said: “If there’s a regular spot cops set up traps, then drivers should know that.”
Queens sanitation worker Michael Garcia, 42, bought it, and said it has helped him avoid tickets near the RFK/Triborough Bridge.
“The cops wait as cars come off the bridge from Manhattan into Astoria,” he said. “There’s a spot they can hide. I knew to slow down, and sure enough, there they were.”
Carlson said the system “levels the playing field,” and he was happy to add the locations of the city’s 300 red-light cameras into the database after obtaining the top-secret list from a city insider.
“Sometimes you can’t help but go through a yellow,” he said. “Then you get a $50 ticket. It’s really not fair that there’s no warning. It seems like a revenue generator. This gives the driver more power, and encourages them to follow the law, which should be the point.”
But officials worry that the warning system could provoke drivers to break the law.
“I would equate this system with radar detectors, which are illegal in some places,” said Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., chair of the Public Safety Committee. “I think the city should definitely take a close look at this.”
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11 Responses
In this economy there will be people who will scrimp together the money so they are able to purchase such a device. I think it will become a recipe for road disaster.
I’ll buy it.
This is far worse than a radar detector.
I know/knew several people who were seriously injured and in some cases killed by drunk and/or reckless drivers.
I hope that an “aiding and abetting” charge can be applied to anyone who sells or manufactures a device designed to help those who would drink and drive get away with it (they’ll stop getting away with it when they kill someone, of course).
This isn’t at all like going 35-40 on Ocean Parkway or 70-75 on the NYS Thruway.
A law banning this can’t be enacted quickly enough.
the only state in the US where radar detectors are illegal is VA so for us in NY yippy!!!
@bubby there are already GPS devices that show traffic cam positions…
SICKOOS, how about driving at speed limit, stopping at red lights and stop signs and learn to YIELD when necessary?
I would venture to say that this new GPS will not reduce road accidents and injuries but rather increase them.
flatbush bubby: the real disaster are the people who dont go at the same speed as the rest of the traffic b/c of the speed limit. thats more dangerous
@sammyjoe- Not if everyone’s going the speed they’re supposed to!
Seriously, how do i get this service?
the thing looks gr8 but the DWI part realy worrys me how can someone sell that in good concios
‘“Sometimes you can’t help but go through a yellow,” he said.’
Silly man, if you can’t help it, that fancy GPS system isn’t going to help you either. Hello?
Flatbush Bubby,youre so opinionated,youre always commenting on topics. Anyway,where can i pick up this program? its about time we have a level playing field. The cops are not fair at best,or corrupt at worst.If you have ever been at traffic court for a hearing,you would know what i mean. A motorist has every right to protect him/her self from traffic tickets,and unfair citations and judgements. EXCEPT for avoiding spot checks for DWI which is the real culprit here,i dont think motorists will drive any worse or better by having this technology. A responsible and mature driver will always drive with care and caution. The best places for the cameraes though,(in my opinion)would be Boro Park of course. Along 13th Ave and 14th ave from 37 st to 60th st and reverse. The city would make a fortune,and then we wouldnt need the stimulus package from Obama.