This navigation app keeps you out of high-crime areas in real time

RedZone is a suitably-named navigation app that helps keep you safe by steering you clear of high crime areas. When you roll into an unfamiliar city late at night, the last thing you want to do is go looking for a hotel in an area where you’re more likely to require a stay in hospital than get a good night’s rest.

As the app’s description puts it: “RedZone combines crime data from government agencies with reports from its community of users to provide a real-time guide to which areas of a city should be avoided.” It’s kind of like Waze but instead of getting alerted to traffic jams you’re kept abreast of car jackings, muggings and shootings.

Crimes are color-coded “so that users can see where events such as shootings, assaults or thefts have taken place, enabling them to avoid problematic areas completely.” You can also use RedZone to create routes to destinations that steer clear of dangerous neighborhoods. Interestingly, RedZone will offer you both a safe route and a risky route if you’re willing to live dangerously.

There’s even a kind of community social network about RedZone, with a comments section on flagged crimes so you can get up-to-the-minute information about developing situations and drop a “crime pin” if you witness something nefarious.

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While the need for an app like RedZone is a little depressing, it’s nice to know that some navigation apps have your personal safety at heart more than just getting you to your destination quickly. Of course, RedZone can also be used by thrill-seeking “ambulance chasers” or armchair daredevils looking for a vicarious walk on the wild side.

• RedZone is currently available for iOS and will be coming to Android soon.

How do you stay safe when navigating unknown terrain? Would you use RedZone?