Background Location Access
Understanding how RailRadar uses background location to keep you safe
What Background Location Does
RailRadar can send you safety alerts about nearby railroad crossings even when you're not actively using the app.
This feature, called "Background Location Access," allows our app to know your general location so we can notify you if you're approaching an active railroad crossing or if there's important safety information about crossings in your area.
This permission is completely optional. RailRadar works without it, but you'll only receive alerts when you have the app open.
When We Collect Background Location
- When you're within approximately 1 mile of a known railroad crossing
- Only when movement is detected (we don't constantly track stationary locations)
- Never stored permanently on our servers - used only for real-time alerts
How to Control Background Location
Turn It Off
You can disable background location anytime:
- 1. Open your Android Settings
- 2. Tap "Apps" → "RailRadar"
- 3. Tap "Permissions" → "Location"
- 4. Select "Allow only while using the app"
What Changes
Without background location:
- • You'll only get alerts when the app is open
- • You can still manually check nearby crossings
- • All other features work normally
- • No impact on battery life
Why This Feature Matters for Safety
Railroad crossing accidents often happen when people are distracted or unaware of approaching trains. Background location helps RailRadar provide timely warnings that could prevent accidents.
Example: If you're walking or biking near a crossing and a train is approaching, RailRadar can alert you even if you forgot to open the app.
About the Android System Prompt
When you first enable background location, Android will show you a system dialog. This disclosure appears before that prompt to help you make an informed decision.
Note: This page serves as the "Prominent Disclosure" required by Google Play Store policies for apps that request background location access.