Radar gun that knows you are texting

[Rhino]

Not sure if this is a good thing or not.

http://torontosun.autonet.ca/2014/09/22/radar-gun-that-knows-you-are-texting


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.

[gPink]

Another brick in the wall.

[MrPepsi]

That's just stupid.
So now they will pull someone over and find there was a kid in the back doing the texting.

[Outback_Jon]

That's just stupid.
So now they will pull someone over and find there was a kid in the back doing the texting.

What about someone doing voice recognition texting?  Or any of the thousands of apps that use data harmlessly while moving?  (GPS, etc.) Or for that matter, to discern if it was from your car or the car next to you or behind you.

 I don't see any realistic way for any system to discern what data is being transmitted without directly accessing the phone signal, which is pretty specifically outlawed by FCC rules.

[stevewfl]

http://youtu.be/4wjhTt9fqYY

[Racer Boy]

Generally speaking, texting is far more dangerous than speeding, but I'm with others here and don't see how they'll be able to make this work.

[AlbertaDoug]

What about someone doing voice recognition texting?  Or any of the thousands of apps that use data harmlessly while moving?  (GPS, etc.) Or for that matter, to discern if it was from your car or the car next to you or behind you.

 I don't see any realistic way for any system to discern what data is being transmitted without directly accessing the phone signal, which is pretty specifically outlawed by FCC rules.

+1

[MAN OF BLUES]

I think texting drivers should be shot on sight...but..

that whole idea of a detector that says you are texting is kind of bunk..think about it...

you can type the stuff in for 5 minutes, it's just not discernable, nor is any "signal" emitted until you press "send".

[Cholla]

Dont worry...those FCC regs can be changed without anyone knowing...

[Son of Pappy]

I think texting drivers should be shot on sight...but..

that whole idea of a detector that says you are texting is kind of bunk..think about it...

you can type the stuff in for 5 minutes, it's just not discernable, nor is any "signal" emitted until you press "send".

Distracted drivers...  This includes GPS entries, makeup, burger munching, channel surfers.  The hot button currently is texting, but lets not loose sight of the real demon.  The idiots behind the wheel/bars.  This is essentially the same argument anti gunners are using.  Reality is, well, real.  Legislating behaviour will always end with the same, failed result.

[Rhino]

Distracted drivers...  This includes GPS entries, makeup, burger munching, channel surfers.  The hot button currently is texting, but lets not loose sight of the real demon.  The idiots behind the wheel/bars.  This is essentially the same argument anti gunners are using.  Reality is, well, real.  Legislating behaviour will always end with the same, failed result.

+1 Unfortunately true.

[gPink]

Legislating behaviour is the same as social engineering is the same as central planning and will always end with the same, failed result.

fify

[twowheeladdict]

You can't tell if someone is texting.  You can only tell once they send the text. 

Maybe they should install sensors in the cars to keep the driver's hands on the wheel.  If you have an automatic, both hands have to be on the wheel at all times.  If you have a standard shift a sensor will also be placed on the shifter.  You have x amount of time to move from the shifter to the steering wheel.  If you fail to comply the vehicle provides a warning and if you still fail to comply it signals and pulls over.  LOL! 

[gPink]

...or your vehicle can just write you a ticket.

[gPink]

I just reread the op and saw that the quoted article is from Canada. They do things different up there.   

[AlbertaDoug]

Guilty until you prove your innocence!
All Canadians are Criminals in the eye of the Law. Direct Quote form a RCMP!    

[gPink]

Pass enough bullsh#t laws and you can criminalize everybody.

[AlbertaDoug]

  welcome to the Great White North! 

[Rhino]

Guilty until you prove your innocence!
All Canadians are Criminals in the eye of the Law. Direct Quote form a RCMP!

Any LEO that says that is the criminal and should be summarily fired IMO.

[Classvino]

Guilty until you prove your innocence!
All Canadians are Criminals in the eye of the Law. Direct Quote form a RCMP!

I'd like to read that article - where'd the quote come from?   I can't find it - Google only pulls this post when searched...

Jamie