SafeTrek App Data Deems SMU Intersection Most "Unsafe"
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - New data released by the SafeTrek app shows an intersection on SMU campus as the area users of SafeTrek feel most unsafe.
SafeTrek works like s panic button. Users hold down the button on their screen until they get to a safe location. Once there, they enter their code if they are safe. If they released their finger and do not enter their code, SafeTrek says the police are called after 10 seconds.
The developers of the app say out of the 7,000 hits in Dallas since the start of 2016, about 200 of them have come from the area near Ownby Drive and Schlegal Street.
"It could be something as simple as a burnt-out street lamp there or no lighting at all," said Zach Winkler at SafeTrek.
SMU Communication released a statement disagreeing with the findings.
"The location cited is not frequently traveled except on football game days," wrote Kent Best, Executive Director of Communications. "SMU Police have received no reports of criminal activity from that location in 2016."
SafeTrek insists half of its users are college students.
"It's not to point fingers at anyone that's doing anything wrong and by no means are we saying that SMU is an unsafe campus or that Dallas is an unsafe area," said Winkler.
Users of the app like Cassie Kelemen said it makes her feel more confident walking alone.
"I'll be going to my car and I'll have men call at me and it makes me uncomfortable," said Kelemen. "It's kind of a little security blanket I guess."
Keleman feels the data should not be looked at so negatively.
"Things happen and I think it's good to know they're taking precautions and staying safe," said Kelemen.
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