U.S. 69 message board uses your Bluetooth to track drive time

ASKED & ANSWERED

Q While driving north on U.S. 69, we noticed the sign that estimates the time to FM 105 and the split. In Houston, these signs use EZ Tags on passing cars for the time estimate. How does the sign in Beaumont estimate the time?

Joe Demeter, Port Neches

A The highway message boards have a sensor that track Bluetooth frequencies from a driver's cell phone from point A to point B and average their times to determine how long it takes to travel that distance.

Bluetooth is often used by drivers to make hands-free calls or to control Pandora or an iPod on their car stereo.

Not sure if your Bluetooth is turned on?

Check the settings app on your cell phone.

Texas Department of Transportation spokesman Marc Shepherd said in a 2012 interview that the signs do not gather any personal information.

"All it does is measure a frequency," he said.

Got a question for Ashley? Email her at arsanders@BeaumontEnterprise.com or write to P.O. Box 3071, Beaumont, Texas, 77701. Please include your full name and city of residence.