You already know you shouldn't run a red light, and speeding is especially risky if you fall into a trap, which is why it might not be such a bad idea to know about those things ahead of time. Here are a few options that can point them all out for you.
GPS Angel
$99.99
Available at: GPSAngel.com, Amazon.com
Rather than use radar, the Angel and the Cobra use GPS and user-generated updates to determine the locations of both red-light cameras and known police speed traps. The small disc-shaped Angel plugs in through your 12-volt socket and indicates warnings using the five LED lights on the front.
Once you've set up the device, it will take some time for you to memorize what the flashing lights actually mean. With a combination of green, red and orange LEDs, plus beeps and melodies, there are eight unique alarms to heed. When it sounds off, you don't really know what the alarm actually means, so your first inclination is to just slow down anyway.
Performance is startling at first because alarms go off unexpectedly, but they do sound off at opportune times. To update the device's internal mapping, there is a downloadable application covering that, while also allowing for user-defined locations as well.
Cobra SL3C GPS Locator
$119.99
Available at: The Source
The Cobra needs to lock on to four satellites to get started, compared to three for the GPS Angel. Despite being almost double the size, it functions much the same as the Angel, and setup is virtually the same too. This includes the part where it hogs the 12-volt socket because it doesn't have an internal battery (you can hardwire it, if you want).
The included mount for your windshield or driver's side window proves to be a valuable accessory, but you can stick it onto your dash instead. The warning system uses the same colours, except alarms are differentiated more by audible beeps with visual cues from the four LEDs. When going faster than 70 km/h, warnings can go off as much as 2,500 feet ahead, but only 1,000 feet if you're driving slower than that.
You can also apply free database updates to the Cobra, but only for one year, whereas they are free for life with the GPS Angel.
Trapster
Free
Available at: Apple App Store, BlackBerry App World, Android Market, Trapster.com
Trapster is a bit like a GPS app in that it gives you traffic info, but that's just an added bonus to the maps of red-light cameras and speed traps, as well as "dangerous" intersections, road closures and other icons. All of this data is reported by Trapster users, and the currency of each report is noted when you tap the icon. Other icons like parking, restaurants and gas stations can be turned on as well.
Voice warnings, some of which are hilariously themed, tell you when you're driving toward any of those icons, much like a GPS app voices directions in advance. Trapster can also run in the background, so you can be on a call and still get the notifications.
To report your own warning locations, you need to sign up for a free account. As a member, you can also type in routes and integrate with Facebook and Twitter.
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