techbeck Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Apparently the threat of a costly ticket isn't enough to slow down drivers passing through work zones on Missouri's highways, so the state is taking extreme measures to solve the dilemma. Missouri's Department of Transportation is preparing to deploy the LRAD sound cannon ? a tool (some might say "weapon") that's been used to break up mass gatherings like Occupy Wall Street ? to warn motorists that they're going too fast. The device emits a targeted, deafening siren that "easily penetrates the windshield and well-insulated cab of a car, even overriding the vehicle?s engine sounds and a radio turned up loud enough to jam to tunes at highway speeds." The state has already conducted tests with LRAD (embedded below), loading it onto the back of a truck and sending out verbal "slow vehicles ahead" warnings to nearby vehicles. But now Missouri has committed to the technology by purchasing two of the pricey devices. Transportation officials claim that they provide an unmistakable alert about slower roadwork vehicles up ahead, and insist LRAD will only be directed at speeding drivers that haven't yet moved out of work lanes. Still, critics maintain that the ear-piercing nature of the alerts presents a clear danger in and of itself. More... http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/14/5613782/missouri-will-fire-lrad-sound-cannons-to-deter-work-zone-speeding Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacer Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 I would think blasting an oncoming car with extremely loud, out-of-nowhere noise would spook the driver to the point of causing an accident. That doesn't seem any safer to me. Also, won't this potentially cause hearing damage to the people in the car? Richteralan, REM2000, Shiranui and 2 others 5 Share Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360385 Share on other sites More sharing options...
McKay Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 "Deafening siren" Yeah I can see lawsuits a plenty. I certainly would if had my hearing damaged. And yes suddenly spooking drivers with a "deafening" noise is ludicrous. Whoever thought up this project, and whoever approved it need to have their heads examined. Hum and theyarecomingforyou 2 Share Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360391 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandosis Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 LRAD's can be insanely loud. I would be really ticked off if they tried to use those in my state. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360411 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre S. Veteran Posted April 14, 2014 Veteran Share Posted April 14, 2014 Missouri's DOT reportedly insists the tool will only being used at safe levels How can it easily pierce the sound isulation of the car, override all noise including loud radio, and be at a "safe" level? How will it not accidentally catch other vehicles in the way of the sound beam? Just plant a guy there with a radar, problem solved. Vykranth, Tha Bloo Monkee and Richteralan 3 Share Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360423 Share on other sites More sharing options...
techbeck Posted April 14, 2014 Author Share Posted April 14, 2014 Funny they need a sound cannon when it was recently reported as mall town uses a mocked up crown vic and a dummy officer sitting on the side of the road to slow down speeders. And this method works. Brendeth 1 Share Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360431 Share on other sites More sharing options...
User6060 Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 don't let them tell you the budget is tight and the state is too broke to help the poor. theres always money to give to buy toys for law enforcement but never any to help the citizens Ph1b3r0pt1c 1 Share Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360549 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Gibs Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Funny they need a sound cannon when it was recently reported as mall town uses a mocked up crown vic and a dummy officer sitting on the side of the road to slow down speeders. And this method works.And it's probably a lot cheaper too. The LRAD method will kill people...who on earth thought directing a loud noise to someone while they're driving would be a good idea? Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360563 Share on other sites More sharing options...
techbeck Posted April 14, 2014 Author Share Posted April 14, 2014 who on earth thought directing a loud noise to someone while they're driving would be a good idea? I think it will be announced soon that Missouri is the 3rd state to legalize marijuana. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360569 Share on other sites More sharing options...
McKay Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 How can it easily pierce the sound isulation of the car, override all noise including loud radio, and be at a "safe" level? How will it not accidentally catch other vehicles in the way of the sound beam? Just plant a guy there with a radar, problem solved. And different cars will be insulated than others, older ones will probably let noise through easily. There's too many variables. A modern car might be well insulated that you don't know if they're blasting music inside. I doubt they're going to guess the noise level and will blast the same volume at cars. There are going to be accidents. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360693 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torolol Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 i wonder this devices usages would increases the like-hood of follow-up accident instead? Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360705 Share on other sites More sharing options...
exotoxic Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 What about people with sensitive hearing?? Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360715 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rohdekill Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 I would think blasting an oncoming car with extremely loud, out-of-nowhere noise would spook the driver to the point of causing an accident. That doesn't seem any safer to me. Also, won't this potentially cause hearing damage to the people in the car? Drive the speed limit and you won't need to worry. What they really need is a device to send a signal to the car computer and cap the speed the car could go. So deaf drivers are deterred how,again? Tews 1 Share Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360721 Share on other sites More sharing options...
McKay Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Drive the speed limit and you won't need to worry. Until someone else who is speeding gets blasted with the damned thing, swerves and takes you out. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360733 Share on other sites More sharing options...
123456789A Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 What they really need is a device to send a signal to the car computer and cap the speed the car could go. That would be great for trolling BMWs. I would build a transmitter to hack and cap them at school zone speeds. +Raze 1 Share Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360747 Share on other sites More sharing options...
McKay Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 That would be great for trolling BMWs. I would build a transmitter to hack and cap them at school zone speeds. Modern cars are so easy. My friend used to work with the section of the Air Force that tries to break into networks to test our own security etc. Out of curiosity when one of the guys got a new car with a computer in it that monitored everything they tried to gain access to the Cars computer. After 30 minutes of trying it turned out the computer talked to the wheels via bluetooth to record the tyre pressure etc, and once that was discovered, access was gained to the Car computer within minutes, from there it was possible to remotely activate the brakes, overheat the engine by messing with core functions etc. Dangerous stuff. They claimed the brakes could be locked independently. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360789 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hagjohn Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 I think it will be announced soon that Missouri is the 3rd state to legalize marijuana. Throw a bag of weed at the car and it will slow down. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360803 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xerino Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 I think it will be announced soon that Missouri is the 3rd state to legalize marijuana. 4th, Maryland is next Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360951 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryoken Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 How about they just fire a real cannon at them.. Bet they'll obey the speed limit when a Howitzer is aimed their way :p Or just put a speed camera there, and make a killing. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360955 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nashy Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Modern cars are so easy. My friend used to work with the section of the Air Force that tries to break into networks to test our own security etc. Out of curiosity when one of the guys got a new car with a computer in it that monitored everything they tried to gain access to the Cars computer. After 30 minutes of trying it turned out the computer talked to the wheels via bluetooth to record the tyre pressure etc, and once that was discovered, access was gained to the Car computer within minutes, from there it was possible to remotely activate the brakes, overheat the engine by messing with core functions etc. Dangerous stuff. They claimed the brakes could be locked independently. What sort of car was it? I work in the industry, and sorry, but that sounds like absolute crap. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596360979 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Bluetooth can be hacked, that's a fact. Auto electronics outfits make bluetooth modules for dTPMS (direct tire pressure monitoring systems) and keyless entry. http://www.epcos.com/epcos-en/542852/products/product-search/technical-parameter/product-catalog/rf-saw-components/mobile-communications/wireless-lan---bluetooth-modules?t=ps And there are iPhone and Android apps that can access the sensors. What's hard to believe? Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596361007 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tha Bloo Monkee Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Just plant a guy there with a radar, problem solved. It doesn't even have to be a radar. Just put a guy with a hairdryer to scare people into thinking they actually have a radar :laugh: So as others have mentioned, how does this affect the drivers around the speeder? Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596361017 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Negatively, of course. While these gadgets are very directional they are NOT "acoustic lasers." Beam divergence hovers around 30?. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596361027 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tha Bloo Monkee Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 "acoustic lasers." I lol'd Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596361029 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Why? Acoustic laser = SASER, and they're real. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_amplification_by_stimulated_emission_of_radiation Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1209415-missouri-will-fire-sound-cannons-at-drivers-to-deter-work-zone-speeding/#findComment-596361037 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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