The development of smartphones has led to a lot of helpful and creative apps. Some app developers have created applications that help drivers be aware of school zones and speed limits but also speed traps and DUI checkpoints. Police officers across the country are divided over the effect the applications will have on law enforcement and the prevention of car accidents. Some believe the use of an app that informs a driver to the whereabouts of a DUI checkpoint helps the driver avoid the checkpoint. Others believe the information helps drivers be in compliance with the law.

Some of the names of apps that inform drivers of road conditions are Trapster, Fuzz Alert and Cobra's iRadar. One of the most popular apps is PhantomAlert. The app is an online database that alerts users to all sorts of highway issues like red-light cameras, speed cameras, speed zones, school zones and DUI checkpoints. The database is created through a system of drivers who self-report various road issues. The most controversial information that is reported is information about DUI checkpoints.

One police officer believes that the people who use a smartphone app to alert themselves to DUI checkpoints only use the information to drink and drive and avoid getting caught. He says those folks are only focused on not getting arrested and are not focused on the danger they create. Another officer holds a different point of view. The officer has actually helped GPS companies verify the locations of red-light cameras. He believes if the use of the apps helps drivers comply then it is a good technology.

Source: USA Today, "High-tech apps help drivers evade police," Larry Copeland, 3/21/11