Advances in law enforcement technology continue as ComSonics develops a radar gun that cops could use to find out if people are texting while driving.
The Virginia-based company designed the device to pick up radio frequencies coming from a cellphone being used inside a car, according to The Blaze. The technology was reported by the Virginian Pilot to be similar to devices that cable technicians use to detect leaks.
Malcolm McIntyre, ComSonic's calibration services manager, said the radar gun would be able to determine if a driver is texting behind the wheel because text messages give out a different frequency than other activities people take part in with their cellphones. He added that the device is "close to production," and that it still needs to be legally approved before law enforcement departments can start using it.
The issue is already being tackled across the U.S., as texting while driving is currently banned in 44 states, The Blaze reported. Research brought up by the Federal Communications Commission shows that texting while driving leads to a 23 percent increase in the risk of a crash.
ComSonics said at the recent Virginia Distracted Driving Summit that it is developing technology that would help determine who in a car was texting if there is more than one person in the car. The company is already working with law enforcement, providing calibration and repair services for radar and lidar equipment.
