What Can a Traffic Alarm Do?
Have you ever driven straight into roadwork without warning, been surprised by a speed camera, or ended up stuck in traffic you only discovered far too late? It happens to most drivers sooner or later. And that’s exactly why solutions exist to help you stay one step ahead on the road.
In this article, we explain what a traffic alarm can do, which features are typically included, and why CO-DRIVER today works as something more than a classic solution — namely a modern traffic assistant for everyday driving.
What Is a Traffic Alarm, Basically?
A traffic alarm is a system that warns you about things on the road before you reach them. Think of it as an extra set of eyes and ears in the car. Instead of relying only on road signs or your own reaction time, you get a heads-up early — allowing you to stay calm and drive more safely.
Most solutions typically warn about:
- Speed cameras (CO-DRIVER warns about all types — fixed, mobile, red-light cameras, and average speed checks)
- Accidents and dangerous situations such as vehicles in the emergency lane, dropped objects, or sudden braking
- Traffic jams and slow-moving traffic ahead
- Changes on the road, such as roadwork, temporary speed limits, or closed lanes
- Other incidents reported by drivers
The purpose is simple: to give you relevant warnings without stealing your attention. A good solution essentially says: “Hey, something important is coming up — stay aware.” That means fewer surprises, less stress, and a safer trip.
How Does a Traffic Alarm Work?
Most traffic alarms are built on three components that work together:
1. Live Traffic Information
This is data on what’s happening right now. It can come from official sources (such as traffic authorities) but often also from other drivers reporting incidents as they happen.
2. Data Partners
Some companies collect large amounts of traffic information and provide it to services that want broader and more precise alerts. This means you don’t only get notified about what drivers have just reported, but also about events captured in bigger systems. CO-DRIVER uses data both from international partners and its millions of users.
3. GPS-Based Position Tracking
The system knows where you are and matches your route with known or newly reported incidents. When you approach something relevant, you receive a warning — often through a connection to your phone.
From Classic Solution to Modern Driving Assistant
Traditional solutions often exist as apps. They can be helpful, but they also come with challenges in everyday driving:
- You must remember to open and start the app before driving
- Your phone needs battery and signal
- Some apps require the screen to stay on to function properly
- The temptation to look or tap during driving is high — and dangerous
When driving, the last thing you need is yet another screen competing for your attention.
A modern driving assistant is built with the opposite mindset: it should work in the background and help you without disturbing you. This is where CO-DRIVER stands out.
CO-DRIVER: More Than a Traffic Alarm
A CO-DRIVER device (NO1 and NO2) is a small physical unit for your dashboard, giving you clear audio and light signals when you approach a relevant incident. It is built for one purpose: to give you traffic information in the simplest possible way.
Here’s what makes CO-DRIVER a strong, modern solution:
Screen-Free Alerts Designed for Driving
CO-DRIVER does not require you to look at anything. It gives discrete, clear signals — letting you keep your eyes on the road.
Community-Based and Constantly Updated
Behind the alerts is a huge community of millions of drivers across Europe reporting incidents live. The more people use CO-DRIVER, the better the data becomes. This means fast and relevant alerts, even on smaller roads. As of now, more than 4 million CO-DRIVER devices are active on European roads.
Automatic Start
CO-DRIVER starts automatically when you drive and stops again once the trip is over. Once it’s set up, you barely think about it — until it helps you.
CO-DRIVER NO2 as a True Driving Assistant
The NO2 model takes things further with improved hardware, smarter interaction, and an even smoother driving experience. It’s not just a warning device — it's a natural part of your drive.
No Subscription — and Legal to Use
Two things matter a lot to drivers:
No Subscription
CO-DRIVER is a one-time purchase. You get access to live traffic information without monthly fees, and without essential features being locked behind a paywall (unlike many similar services).
Legal in Denmark
CO-DRIVER is legal in Denmark because it provides traffic information and helps drivers stay aware of road conditions. It’s designed for safe driving — not to distract or encourage risky behaviour.
In short, a traffic alarm is a system that warns you about speed cameras, hazards, and changes on the road before you reach them. Classic solutions can help, but they often require more effort from you as a driver.
CO-DRIVER makes it easier: it works in the background, is powered by live community data, starts automatically, requires no subscription — and is fully legal to use in Denmark.
If you want traffic information without a subscription and without turning your phone into another stress factor, CO-DRIVER is a modern driving assistant that fits perfectly into your daily driving.