Mind How You Go, Now

Ever since the introduction of GPS into cars, I've been predicting that the following scenarios, described by Anne Kandra in the April issue of PC World, would cease to become unusual:

"The next time you rent a car, you might want to check for stowaways. A few years ago, a Connecticut rental car company fined a customer $450 when the GPS device in his car indicated that he had been speeding. And there have been other reported instances in which companies have monitored the locations and driving practices of their clients. A British insurance company, for instance, has even experimented with installing the devices in its clients' own cars--the idea being that the company could offer lower premiums for proven safe drivers."

How long before all cars have GPS monitors fitted that will automatically report speeding? Not that you'll be arrested: No doubt your bank account or credit card will be automatically charged the appropriate fine the moment you exceed the speed limit, saving everyone lots of time and trouble.

Read the rest here.