Apps to avoid speed traps, collisions, and high gas prices

PHOENIX - You know the rules. Go faster than the number on that little white sign, and expect to hear police sirens.

“Unfortunately, there are people who will always exceed the speed limit,” says Seth Tyler with the Chandler Police Department.

That’s why apps like Trapster exist. It alerts you to speed traps and road hazards.

But how accurate is it? We sat down Tyler to find out.

“I’ve actually seen motors sit underneath that underpass,” says Tyler.

Turns out, his department is all for apps like this one.

“That's an advantage for us because I think any police department's philosophy is visibility,” explains Tyler.

Whether you see an officer on the side of the actual road or the virtual road, chances are you’re going to slow down.  Getting a virtual "heads up" from miles away can make a huge difference.

“We can reach out to a vehicle from as far away as 2000 feet. By the time they see us and slow down, we already have their speed locked in,” says Tyler.

Trapster is a free, community-based app, which means it works by allowing you, the user, to report those speed traps, school zones and red light cameras.  Users give Trapster with 4 out of 5 stars.

The free app WAZE has similar features.  It warns you of intersections with red light cameras.

“Arizona and Warner we do, Arizona and Ray we do,” confirms Tyler.

He says it seems like the app is accurate. WAZE also categorizes recent user reports showing whether police are patrolling on your route home or if there are any traffic troubles. 

This app can also save you money because it shows you the cheapest gas on your route. Users rate it 4 and a half out of 5 stars.

If you think that's handy, wait until you see what iOnRoad can do. The multiple award-winning smartphone app calls itself an advanced-collision warning system. 

Once you mount your phone on the windshield, the app uses the phone's camera and sensors to detect if you get too close to the car in front of you.

An audible warning gives you time to brake and, hopefully, avoid an accident. Beyond that, it alerts you if you start to swerve off the highway. 

Users give it 4 out of 5 stars, but one review claims it's too easy to be distracted by what's happening on the screen. 

So, whether it be a lifesaver, a money saver or a ticket saver, you can be sure "there's an app for that."