Filed under: Internet, Web services, web 2.0
Zap-a-tag lets you publicly shame bad motorists
Just about every semi on the road has one of those "How's my driving?" badges on it. Ever wish cars were required to have them, too?
Zap-a-tag may be as close as we ever get to that reality.
It's a web site where users can submit the license plate of rude, aggressive, or just plain unskilled drivers and vent their frustrations. It's not all negativity, though. You'll also find users posting helpful tips like "Don't forget, your tags expire next month," and the odd compliment about a snazzy paint job or clever vanity plates.
Tags are (obviously) cataloged by state, and they're also pinned to a Google map for visual browsing. A search box is available in case you feel like checking whether or not someone else has already complained about a particular vehicle (or your own, perhaps?). There is, of course, a "report abuse" option which gives you recourse in the event that some hooligan is wrongfully slandering your driving.
And yes, the site offers Twitter integration so you can quickly zap-a-tag with a simple update.
Posting on Zap-a-tag won't result in a traffic citation or a reprimand from higher-ups, but it's a harmless way for you to get roadway aggravations off your chest.
Zap-a-tag may be as close as we ever get to that reality.
It's a web site where users can submit the license plate of rude, aggressive, or just plain unskilled drivers and vent their frustrations. It's not all negativity, though. You'll also find users posting helpful tips like "Don't forget, your tags expire next month," and the odd compliment about a snazzy paint job or clever vanity plates.
Tags are (obviously) cataloged by state, and they're also pinned to a Google map for visual browsing. A search box is available in case you feel like checking whether or not someone else has already complained about a particular vehicle (or your own, perhaps?). There is, of course, a "report abuse" option which gives you recourse in the event that some hooligan is wrongfully slandering your driving.
And yes, the site offers Twitter integration so you can quickly zap-a-tag with a simple update.
Posting on Zap-a-tag won't result in a traffic citation or a reprimand from higher-ups, but it's a harmless way for you to get roadway aggravations off your chest.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
r3loaded said 3:03PM on 5-09-2009
We already have this license plate tracking stuff in the UK - it's called the government. :D
Reply
supernova_hq said 11:18PM on 5-09-2009
@r3loaded
Yes, but there are a lot more regular drivers on the road than there are government employees. I know people who work in fast food, and they get drunks at the drive-through every night. If there is a cop there, the drunks simply go elsewhere, but if an employee or customer simply sends in the info, then they still get shamed.
Hopefully the cops will look at this page, figure out where all the drunks are and make some better roadblocks.
Reply
Dogugotw said 5:26PM on 5-10-2009
Several years back, there was a comic whos routine included 'stupid darts'. Motorists could tag 'stupid' drivers with a sticky dart any time they were seen doing something dumb. Once a driver accumulated enough darts, it was legal for a cop to pull them over and shoot them on the spot...tag...you're it.
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RP said 12:40AM on 5-11-2009
They need to add a field for vehicle make -- I bet 75% of the rude motorists are driving BMWs, Mercedes, and Lexus. (all silver)
Also a checkbox for "talking on cell phone at time of infraction?"
Reply
Insomnic said 12:26PM on 5-11-2009
The one problem with this "shaming" technique is that the motorist has to see it. Just because it's on the internet doesn't mean it is public shaming.
I really wish one of these types of sites would eventually become mainstream enough that it would be common knowledge though so it would work that way.
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