Lynnwood Everett Mukilteo DUI Attorney: DUI App deemed “harmful to public safety”

Lynnwood Everett Mukilteo DUI Attorney: DUI App deemed "harmful to public safety"

 

SEATTLE -- Thousands of drivers abruptly lost their cell phone app used to sniff out speed traps and DUI checkpoints.

Four U.S. Senators called the software "harmful to public safety," but the maker of the app insists what they're doing is legal.

Every year more than 10,000 Americans die in a drunk driving crash. It's the reason Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and three others are asking software vendors like Apple, Google and the maker of Blackberry to stop selling apps that tell drivers where law enforcement will be watching for impaired drivers.

At the center of the storm is the app "Phantom Alert", which can be downloaded to a phone or GPS device.

The app's maker Joe Scott is livid. He said at the senators' request, Blackberry abruptly pulled their app Friday, leaving drivers who paid for the software without it. Scott insists their app is a legal, public service.

Phantom Alert contacts law enforcement all around the country to learn where officers will be watching for speeders and drunk drivers. Even their users can share hotspots with other users. But because the app warns drivers of an approaching DUI emphasis patrol, lawmakers argue that helps drunks evade law enforcement and puts us all at risk.

But the State Patrol doesn't see it that way.

"This is just an added tool to help them in their decision making to make a better choice not to get behind the wheel of a car after they drink and to slow down on the roadway," said Trooper J.J. Gundermann

Scott adds: "We are intimidating them and deterring them from driving."

Even though Blackberry maker Research in Motion pulled their app, Google told Phantom Alert they will not follow suit.

For more: http://www.komonews.com/news/problemsolvers/118689189.html

 

Note:  First, sobriety check points are unconstitutional in Washington State.  Second, in those states where they are legal the location is often broadcast on the radio, television, and newspaper prior to the night in question.  What is the difference between that and the App?  Please.  Check out the original DUI App on iTunes - http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dui-app-for-the-accused/id372536482?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

 

For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, Skagit County DUI attorneys, Mt Vernon DUI attorneys, Everett DUI attorneys, Lynnwood DUI attorneys, Mukilteo DUI attorneys, or Anacortes DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com; www.everett-dui.co; www.mukilteodui.com