App finds D.C. one of the toughest for speed enforcement (VIDEO)

The app tracks the driver's speed and alerts him to upcoming hazards, speed patrols or reduced speed zones ahead. (Courtesy of Trapster.com)
Trapster's website says it has "various icons and colors to denote different trap types, ie. as red light cameras, and their associated confidence level, so that you can visually add and identify the right traps." (Courtesy of Trapster.com)
The site also has a blog where drivers can keep track of the latest upgrades and learn what to look for and report around town. (Courtesy of Trapster.com)
(1/3)

Editor’s note:This article previously stated, “There are 349 separate traffic-enforcement cameras in Washington, both for speed and running red lights,” according to Trapster. However the Metropolitan Police list a total of 178 locations where the city’s 93 speed and red light cameras can be placed. Trapster confirms the number of locations. The original statement has been removed.

Megan Cloherty, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – The D.C. area is one of the worst for speed cameras, speed patrols and tickets.

D.C. falls in the top 10 toughest cities for drivers in a list compiled by CNBC using the app Trapster. The survey didn’t just look at police enforcement, but also took into consideration red-light and speed cameras, reports Car Insurance.org.

While drivers may not know the city must post a list of speed cameras and red light cameras, those cameras catch drivers everyday.

Top 10 worst driving cities:

  1. New York
  2. Los Angeles
  3. Houston
  4. Las Vegas
  5. Washington, D.C.
  6. St. Louis, Mo.
  7. Orlando, Fla.
  8. Chicago
  9. Colorado Springs, Colo.
  10. Austin

CarInsurance.org

Drivers tired of being surprised by red light cameras and speed enforcement are using Trapster, an app that warns drivers of nearby speed cameras and patrols using both WiFi and GPS technology. The company uses the data from its users to determine which cities are the best and worst for speed cameras and speed patrols.

More than 16 million drivers have downloaded the app and listed 5 million speed cameras and patrols, according to Trapster.

The free app works by monitoring the driver’s current speed while it also tracks where the driver is and warns him of upcoming road closures, traffic, patrols, speed cameras, red light cameras or known enforcement points, as reported by other drivers. It also alerts drivers to upcoming construction and school zones where reduced speeds are enforced.

The app covers the D.C. area.

Pete Tenereillo develops and runs Trapster out of California.

“One great thing about that is that it’s hands-free,” Tenereillo tells CNN.

“You don’t have to be looking at the phone or even be holding it to be notified of the speed trap – which, of course, is safer, because you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to be notified of the trap,” he says.

Drivers can determine which alerts they want to get, so if they know of a speed camera they pass everyday, they can manage their alerts to skip that one. Users can also pick from a long list of voices and have the app speak to them so they don’t have to look at their phone during the drive.

Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up