Reports of mobile police checks by systems like Waze, Flitsmeister and Coyote should be banned says traffic institute Vias. Vias claims such reports endanger road safety. Moreover, they appear to give a false sense of "safety", as people counting on such systems get more speed camera fines.
Some one-third of drivers on Belgian roads use one or more of these systems that warn where speed checks or other police actions are taking place. These systems include smartphone apps like Waze and Flitsmeister as well as separate devices like Coyote.
According to a Vias study, it is wasted effort, as drivers who use such systems get more speed camera fines than those who do not. Per 10,000 kilometres travelled, they are found to get 50% more speed camera fines than drivers who do not use a system. That distinction is important because people who use systems like that tend to do more kilometres.
"Drivers with a system like that are more likely to drive too fast, because they think they are not at risk of a fine if their system does not report a speed check," says Stef Willems of Vias.
Less aware of the danger of speed
Motorists using such a system are in addition less aware of the dangers of speeding, the study shows. They are more likely to think that there is no danger attached to driving faster than the limit when the road is deserted, and they are also more likely to believe that the sole purpose of speed checks is to raise money for the exchequer.
In addition, the apps have a distracting effect. "The notifications encourage drivers to use the system while driving and confirm the presence of police checks and accidents," Willems says. "This means the driver's eyes are off the road for a few seconds." The apps compromise road safety as a result.
Drunk drivers take longer routes
Some systems warn of alcohol checks in addition to speed checks. "This means it is easy for a driver who has had too much to drink to change route," Willems says. "As a result, such drivers are more likely to take a longer route than the one initially planned, increasing the risk of accidents."
Do like the Swiss or the Germans!
This is why Vias wants a ban on reporting mobile police checks. "This would send a clear signal that risky behaviour on the road cannot be tolerated," Willems says. "By the way, such a ban already exists in Germany and in Switzerland."
In Switzerland you can be fined if you are caught using a coyote device. Using Waze, on the other hand, is allowed. "The Swiss made an agreement with Waze," he explains. "Waze have removed all speed cameras on Swiss territory from their database."