New radar gun knows when youre texting The system works by scanning radio frequencies emitted from inside a vehicle while the person is using their cellphone. Police officers may soon be equipped with radar guns that do more than just check the speed of your vehicle. As reported by the Virginian Pilot newspaper, a new radar gun developed by ComSonics in the United States is currently being tested that provides law enforcement agencies with the capability to tell if you are texting. The system works by scanning radio frequencies emitted from inside a vehicle while the person is using their cellphone. This information is relayed to the device, providing the officer with an indicator as to who is using their smartphone. The device has the capability to determine the difference between talk and text, making it easier to target the offender. Indications are this new device can distinguish between talking and texting on your smartphone, which is a critical factor given that handsfree voice communication is legal in many countries around the world. What is not yet known is whether the system can discern if it is the driver or someone else in the vehicle who is doing the texting. There is also the issue of privacy. ComSonics claims there is no way the device can decipher specific words in a text message, but advocacy groups and government agencies would require proof before approving this type of new technology. ComSonics works closely with police agencies to accurately calibrate their radar guns. Given the number of traffic ticket cases working their way through the court system each year, accuracy is very important. Applying technology to prove the use of texting while driving is challenging and the company admits there are many hurdles yet to jump through. The best way to test the system is try it in the field, and these tests are currently taking place on a limited basis. Designed to help law enforcement officers catch distracted drivers, it seems the future of radar gun technology is about to take a giant leap forward. Regardless of whether or not it makes it into production, you should still put down your smartphone and focus on the road ahead.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 00:43:04 +0000
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