Speed Trap system updated, contains traffic accidents

Njection.com updated its Web site to include accident and fatalities black spots to show problem areas for drivers; iPhone update is awaiting approval, stated a company news release.

The Trucker News Services

3/31/2009

PORTLAND, Ore. — Njection.com added another layer to its Speed Trap mapping system today by including traffic accidents and fatalities to enhance their data visualization system. This addition will allow drivers to see where accident black spots and problem areas are. An updated Njection Mobile iPhone application [iTunes] (http://bit.ly/4ZFmg) that allows drivers to be alerted to these high accident areas is awaiting approval from Apple.

Njection.com has acquired accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA - http://bit.ly/C5gpV) and global weather conditions from WeatherBug.com (http://bit.ly/uwmK2), and coupled this information with Microsoft Virtual Earth (http://maps.live.com) to produce a unique use of data visualization. This Virtual Earth mash-up not only allows users to view 5 years of accident data collected from the NHTSA based on local weather conditions but to see it in 4-hour blocks updated every hour from the current time. For example, if it is 12 p.m. and a user selects the "4-hour history" radio button, they will be shown a history of accidents that have occurred between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. based on the local weather conditions.

"The goal here is to prevent accidents and make drivers aware of hazardous areas," says Shannon Atkinson, Founder and CEO of Njection.com. "I believe this system of alerting users to these locations will be able to save lives and promote driver safety."

Weather conditions can have a serious effect on drivers and their ability to maneuver vehicles. Where a steel grated bridge may be fine for traction under sunny weather conditions, it could be deadly under drizzle or rainy weather. This new visualization shows and highlights those areas on the Web site and alerts people on the Apple iPhone while the person is driving.

Njection.com is also working on acquiring more accident data to provide more detailed information for visitors to view. Future additions will allow users to print driving directions that will include high accident locations, red light cameras and police speed traps along their route. In addition, future additions will involve acquiring more detailed accident data from individual states to enhance the system. Njection.com's Video section will be added to allow automotive enthusiasts to upload and share videos. In addition, a contest, scheduled to begin April 2, is planned to reward subscribers.

In 2007, Shannon Atkinson founded Njection.com LLC to be a hub for the exchange of automotive information.

The Trucker staff may be reached to comment on this article at editor@thetrucker.com.