Driver caught using cell phone jamming device
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Re: Driver caught using cell phone jamming device
#2One of the last things I'd want is lots of drivers near me to be even more distracted saying "Hello? Hello?" into their phone and repeatedly looking at it to see if they're still connected or still have a signal.
Also, good luck if you're in an accident as no-one nearby can call the emergency services.
Re: Driver caught using cell phone jamming device
#3One of the last things I'd want is lots of drivers near me to be even more distracted saying "Hello? Hello?" into their phone and repeatedly looking at it to see if they're still connected or still have a signal. Also, good luck if you're in an accident as no-one nearby can call the emergency services.
I would add someone going around blocking emergency radios to that last things list.
http://tbo.com/news/business/fcc-seffner-man-was-using-cell-...
"When Hillsborough County Sheriffs deputies stopped the SUV, their own two-way radios were jammed."
Re: Driver caught using cell phone jamming device
#4I got to play with these in Afghanistan. They were installed in our SUVs but they were so huge and unwieldy. I'd be interested in seeing what setup he had. Unless the traffic was very dense and slow, I'd imagine him just forcing calls to be dropped as he passed by which doesn't really seem helpful. Restaurants/theaters/anywhere-there-be-tweens, yeah bring it on in those locales!
Re: Driver caught using cell phone jamming device
#5I got to play with these in Afghanistan. They were installed in our SUVs but they were so huge and unwieldy. I'd be interested in seeing what setup he had. Unless the traffic was very dense and slow, I'd imagine him just forcing calls to be dropped as he passed by which doesn't really seem helpful. Restaurants/theaters/anywhere-there-be-tweens, yeah bring it on in those locales!
They're (cellular frequency jammers) down to the size of a cigarette pack, and can run off 12V aux power in your car. Range isn't terribly great (~100ft).
Examples: http://www.phonejammer.com/home.php?cat=249
Mods: I posted the link (which was the first google result for "cell phone jammer") just to show what the size and cost was. If it needs to be removed, please feel free to remove my comment in its entirety.
Re: Driver caught using cell phone jamming device
#6Certainly a terrible idea on every level, but I can't help but sympathize with the intent.
Too much of the public simply aren't responsible about driving and there doesn't seem to be any good way to identify and prevent or penalize them for it.
Re: Driver caught using cell phone jamming device
#7My impression that the biggest domestic market for these is hotel operators, who secret them around the premises to force their customers to be gouged by the hotel phone.
EDIT: reference: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/07/business/07jamming.html?_r...
There is disagreement about whether this actually happens in the US; seems to be more evidence for it in the UK.
Re: Driver caught using cell phone jamming device
#8Certainly a terrible idea on every level, but I can't help but sympathize with the intent. Too much of the public simply aren't responsible about driving and there doesn't seem to be any good way to identify and prevent or penalize them for it.
As a motorcyclist, I can sympathize... I become acutely aware of distracted drivers when I'm in traffic on two wheels.
Like you say, it's a terrible idea for a lot of reasons, but I always admire a good hack.
Re: Driver caught using cell phone jamming device
#9Certainly a terrible idea on every level, but I can't help but sympathize with the intent. Too much of the public simply aren't responsible about driving and there doesn't seem to be any good way to identify and prevent or penalize them for it.
Since hands-free phone usage is just as distracting[1], it would be very challenging for a police offer know if someone is using a cell phone while driving. Probably we just need a cultural shift to make people reluctant to use a phone (or even talk to their passenger) while driving. My guess is that we'll get self-driving cars first.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phones_and_driving_safet...
Edit: https://www.aaafoundation.org/sites/default/files/MeasuringC... Don't talk to passengers folks! (like that's going to happen)
Re: Driver caught using cell phone jamming device
#10I don't know if you noticed this but in my area most of retail stores have terrible cellphone reception. I'm assuming they put cell jammers in their store too