GPS tracking and guiding has become the new normal for nearly an entire generation—all within the past decade. However, dependence upon the devices that tell us where to go, what to do, and where we are has created some new safety risks. When is our need of GPS tracking most critical? When we’re lost. Where do we often get lost? While driving or walking in unfamiliar areas. What is the danger in pulling out the latest GPS tracking device we own in those circumstances? You probably already know where we’re going with this.
Message “Mug Me”
Pulling out a GPS, frantically entering data, looking around, waiting, walking forward with the device in hand—all these actions communicate several things clearly to anyone watching or driving by:
- Lost in unfamiliar territory
- Lack of information about the area
- Enough money to have the latest GPS tracking device anyone can see now
- Completely consumed with trying to find the right street
- Failed to prepare
The embarrassment of this circumstance isn’t unfamiliar to most of us, but the danger of it might be. Depending on the context and setting, GPS tracking advertisement could send a clear message to opportunistic thieves. A ghetto or certain streets in the big city aren’t places to display any of these messages. In fact, as some recent mugging events even in some small cities demonstrate, simply pulling out a cell phone to make a call could make you more vulnerable instead of less vulnerable to mugging. Advertising a hint of confusion and possession of money could end even worse.
Covered with Kovert
According to the creators of the Kovert app, these circumstances have provided the inspiration for the new undercover technology that allows GPS tracking without ever stopping to look at your device.
Using a code of buzzes to communicate directions, the Kovert app directs a user through any neighborhood or district without any visible signal. As long as the starting and ending points are entered before beginning, anyone can walk with confidence through the most complicated streets.
The biggest challenge to beginner users is learning the buzz code. But with relatively few directions to actually follow, memorizing the buzzes should be simple for most users, making the pocketed device easy to follow at every intersection.
http://techcrunch.com/2013/09/08/kovert-is-a-gps-that-lets-you-keep-your-phone-in-your-pocket-to-foil-would-be-muggers/
Motivation for More
Already inspiring brainstorms for extending the options and developing the technology for additional applications, the Kovert app idea has many possibilities for extending the usefulness and protection of GPS tracking. The creators are already exploring the option of producing and releasing an app that includes further features for those with visual impairments. Already familiar with reading codes, these individuals could bring the Kovert idea to new levels of application for all types of situations. But perhaps the buzz code communication could play a role in solving even more risk factors than the creators may now be initially addressing.
Downsizing Distracted Drivers
As studies this year have already addressed, inattention on the part of distracted drivers creates significant risk to all those on the road. A report from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) examined the aspects of cell phone distraction that lead to increased risk.
| Activities Related to Cell Phone Use | Rate Ratio |
| Combined | 1.32 |
| Manual & Visual (finding, answering, texting, dialing, etc.) | 2.93 |
| Responding to/Making Calls | 3.34 |
| Responding to/Sending Texts | 2.12 |
| Talking & Listening with Hands-Free Devices | 1.19 |
| Talking & Listening with built-in system | 0.61 |
| Talking & Listening | 0.84 |
Chart information from http://www.vtti.vt.edu/featured/052913-cellphone.html
With a significant increase of risk for activities related to visual and manual tasks, the results could provide support for cautioning against the distraction involved in GPS tracking while navigating a vehicle.
Although many voice-responsive and built-in systems already seek to address and relieve this situation, many still depend on hand-held GPS devices to get them where they need to go—a dependence that involves extensive visual and manual concentration.
Additionally, the concern for distracted teen and young adult drivers increases as statistics reveal the high percentage who actually stay so connected while driving that they send texts and emails while also making calls, following the GPS, and listening to music.
How could developments following the Kovert idea of code help here? As states continue to pass restricting laws for the use of cell phones—especially for novice drivers–a buzz code could keep the GPS tracking aid helpfully guiding and the cell phone pocketed. With less temptation to respond to text or email notifications and more motivation to concentrate on feeling the phone instead of seeing it, a Kovert navigation might offer the answer that concerned citizens are looking for to the distracted driver dilemma.
Confidence with Kovert: GPS in the Ghetto & on the Go
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