I was sent one of these Ooono Co Driver 2 'Traffic Safety Devices' to try out. As this is a relatively new piece of kit available to motorists, I'd better explain a bit of background and what it sets out to do.
Ooono was founded in 2017 by Christian Walther Øyrabø and is headquartered in Valby, Denmark. They specialise in developing technology-driven solutions aimed at enhancing everyday safety.
The Ooono Co-Driver 2 is a smart traffic safety device designed to help you stay alert and informed while driving. It provides timely audio and visual warnings about upcoming road hazards and speed cameras, aiming to help you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid unnecessary fines or dangerous situations. With millions of users in its community, the device receives real-time updates, helping to ensure that alerts are accurate and up to date.
Unlike traditional navigation tools, the Co-Driver 2 has no screen, reducing distractions and keeping your focus on the road. It's designed to be simple and intuitive with a single button and no need to interact with your phone. The device features a rechargeable battery - lasts up to a month before needing recharging - and comes with a USB-C cable for convenient in-car charging. It’s also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seamlessly integrating with your car’s infotainment system to provide safety alerts and navigation support without requiring you to take your eyes off the road.
After a week of using the Co-Driver 2 for all of my car journeys, I would say that it's a very subtle and smart looking piece of kit. It won't look out of place in any modern car - and in fact will add a real technological boost to most vehicles.
Where it's not quite so strong, is in the accuracy of the various alerts. It gives a nice 'tring-y' sound when it thinks you're going over the speed limit (My BMW already does this, although the BMW's version is much less noticeable). The Ooono one is much clearer to hear.
But, with both the BMW and Ooono relying upon what I think is a combination of Geo Location and pre-set mapping, they don't get it right all of the time. The Co Driver 2 warned me that I was going over 30mph on a dual carriageway that had a fixed speed limit of 50mph (not a variable speed limit). So, what this means is that the speed alert from the Ooono is helpful, but you can't rely on it totally. You still need to be aware of the 'real' limit on the road you're on. My BMW also regularly gives false positives, getting the speed limit wrong - even on major roads and motorways.
I found the same with fixed speed cameras. It sounded like an air raid warning when I approached one. There's no way you could miss the alert, but then later that day I sailed past a few similar, fixed speed cameras - that have been there for years - and it stayed silent.
So, would I recommend this? I would say yes, if you don't have the feature built-in to your vehicle subtly warning you when you go over speed limits or approach speed cameras. As I'm used to getting these alerts from my BMW, I'm automatically programmed to come off the accelerator when it sounds (and this isn't a bad thing).
But, you still need to have your wits about you and know what's going on around you. We could certainly do with bringing up the general standard of driving on the roads, and the Co Driver 2 is definitely progression towards this. Hopefully the mapping and Geo Location will also get better with time!