By Matt Wiley
Finding out if there are any traffic crashes or law enforcement emergencies that could create confusion on New Tampa’s roadways just became a whole lot easier, as the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has released a new mobile application that tells drivers exactly what’s happening on the roads.
On November 13, HCSO held a news conference to announce the launch of the free Audio Traffic Hillsborough smartphone and tablet app for Apple and Android devices. The app allows Hillsborough County residents to simply open the app to hear up-to-the minute, voice-activated, on-demand, audio traffic reports and news bulletins presented in the style of radio broadcast traffic reports.
“Sheriff David Gee has placed tremendous amount of emphasis on getting more information out to our community,” said Maj. Chad Chronister at the news conference. “What we love most about the application is that it’s voice-operated. You press a button and the rest of it you hear by a voice, which means there’s not another thing in the vehicle that can contribute to distracted driving.”
Chronister adds, “Whether it’s a crime, or an active shooting spree, we can push that information out (using the app).”
The app was designed using technology from West Palm Beach-based Audible Media Group, a broadcast and technology company that provides audio broadcast content and communications for mobile applications.
“HCSO has always been on the cutting-edge of technology to help increase the safety of its citizens,” said former Florida Lieutenant Governor and Audible Media Group spokesperson Jeff Kottcamp at the conference. “Today’s announcement is just one more step in the way of embracing 21st century technology to communicate directly with the citizens of Hillsborough County.”
In addition to traffic emergencies, the application also alerts citizens about crimes in which the public can be of assistance, announcing missing and endangered people and children, as well as hazardous safety and weather conditions. The app is available in the Apple Store and Google Play Store on Android devices.
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