With Satellite Navigation technology, we have managed to find so many ways to drive to our destination easily. Its great having our routes planned for us and avoiding becoming lost. GPS and wireless technologies are not stopping there due to a phone application that will warn you of any approaching speed traps with a phone application called Trapster.

The real-time data does rely on users being able to update the central database by calling in any traps. It’s a free service after all. From the Trapster web site at http://trapster.com, it takes just a few minutes to sign up and download the software for your phone. It’s like having a companion that watches out for you to ensure that you keep within speed limits.

What can Trapster regularly track for you?

· Speed cameras
· Police station locations
· Red light cameras

The advantage of allowing users to be responsible for the data updates is that so many people are willing to participate. So many people are easily caught by the cameras due to having no idea of their locations. Though, there are those whom deserve to be caught due to speeding to work, or rushing to get somewhere else so knowingly speeding to their destinations.

The service is great as it alerts you via your phone of any hot areas such as a waiting officer with a speed gun or a hidden roadside gun. The idea embraces social communities further by allowing people to help each other by sending data to the Trapster database. Once you know of police radar spots via your current speed gun detector or by simply spotting one, send the data to Trapster in seconds from your phone.

The database is growing every day. People are supporting the application by submitting new speed trap locations on a regular basis. Apparently, the number of people using Trapster has grown to over 100,000 users. It’s suggested if you are considering signing up to ensure you own a phone capable of GPS or WiFi so you can fully participate in reporting fresh speed trap spots.

Is there a bad side? It could be construed that the application can encourage further speeding. Maybe people may think they can now speed very easily on roads. Driving fast on a consistent basis will still result in you getting caught at some point. Trapster relies on responsible awareness on the driver’s part. If you are zooming down the highway, chances are you will still hit the speed trap before slowing down.

Remember, this is a warning device. Like all warnings, there needs to be some duration during which time you become proactive. You heed the warning signs and give yourself time to slow down responsibly.

Recently, Trapster released an update for the iphone (users with the 2.1 update). The iphone is probably a great choice for use with this application with its intuitive interface.

What does the market see here? Confirmation of speed traps is yet another move towards multi-tasking mobile devices.

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