Washington state is using cell phone data to figure out where people speed

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

I'm for technology that identifies drivers doing anything under 75 in the left hand lane on major highways with no traffic and zapping them (space laser, seat zapper?) until they move over to the center or right hand lanes.

Now yer speaking my language!

[Jeff Higgins]

Many states actually have what is known as an "80% rule" wherein, by law, they must conduct traffic studies to determine how fast people are driving on a given stretch of roadway.

They do this by first removing speed limit signs. They then monitor speed. Studies have shown that about 80% of us drive at about the same speed, an appropriate, safe speed for that given stretch of road. Imagine that - most of us behave responsibly, even without the Nanny State looking over our shoulders.

The speed limit is then set at that 80% pace. Significant improvements in traffic safety have been realized through these programs. Traffic flows better, fewer people weave in and out of it, and that "boulder in the stream" - that one self righteous fool who insists on going the posted limit, no matter how ludicrously slow that may be, is now actually going with the flow and no longer creating their own sets of problems for everyone else.

[David Inc.]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

^^^ I would love one of those!

I have thought of a drone that I could launch from my car that would fly ahead of the offending vehicle and display a digital message to move over. Too many other projects I can't get done, don't need another.

You assume that they'd be looking at anything but their phones!

[stealthn]

How is it legal for a third party to track your phone?

[David Inc.]

Originally Posted by stealthn

How is it legal for a third party to track your phone?

It's in the EULA for software use. Don't want your location tracked? Don't own a phone.

Edit: That sounded more snarky than intended. I meant it more in the sense of "yes it sucks and there's nothing consumers can really do about it."

[stealthn]

Originally Posted by David Inc.

It's in the EULA for software use. Don't want your location tracked? Don't own a phone.

Edit: That sounded more snarky than intended. I meant it more in the sense of "yes it sucks and there's nothing consumers can really do about it."

No they cannot track your phone if you do not consent (this is a third party), in reading their site they are tracking the car not the phone so it still begs the question unless they are the manufacturer of the car cellular radio.

[David Inc.]

Originally Posted by stealthn

No they cannot track your phone if you do not consent (this is a third party), in reading their site they are tracking the car not the phone so it still begs the question unless they are the manufacturer of the car cellular radio.

Historic location data collected by providers or apps is available for sale, and that's what is being employed in this case. Cell data not car data.

Which site are you referring to saying they're tracking the car?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by David Inc.

You assume that they'd be looking at anything but their phones!

Riding the bike home last night a woman almost hit because she was looking at her phone.

[stealthn]

I agree on the apps part but the phone makers specifically say they will not sell your location data (i know, I know), Tracking is also illegal in most EU countries.

It's Michelin's site: https://mobilityintelligence.michelin.com/en/products/speed-insights/

Just don't connect your vehicle (no SIM)

[cockerpunk]

Originally Posted by stealthn

I agree on the apps part but the phone makers specifically say they will not sell your location data (i know, I know), Tracking is also illegal in most EU countries.

It's Michelin's site: https://mobilityintelligence.michelin.com/en/products/speed-insights/

Just don't connect your vehicle (no SIM)

the EU has actual consumer and data protection laws.

unlike us here in the USA, where we are so pro-business, we've made your location, and everything else possible, a product for companies to buy and sell.

[HardDrive]

Some of those long straight county roads east of the Cascades…rumor has it those are a great place to go $1.50+ in your P car. Or so I heard.