NORRISTOWN — Computer giant Apple, Inc. yanked a DUI dodging application earlier this month, and local law enforcement are thanking the higher-ups for that decision.

In the wake of the death of “Jackass” star Ryan Dunn, local police chiefs are speaking up about the message to not drink and drive.

Dunn and a passenger died when his car veered off the road at upwards of 130 mph along the Route 322 bypass, near the Pottstown Pike exit, before 3 a.m. Monday. News broke Wednesday that Dunn’s blood alcohol level was .196 — more than twice the legal limit of .08.

Earlier this month, four Democratic U.S. senators urged Apple to stop selling computer applications, or apps, that help drivers pinpoint drunken driving checkpoints.

Sens. Harry Reid , Tom Udall , Charles Schumer and Frank Lautenberg sent a letter highlighting the risks involved in tipping drivers off to DUI traffic stops and asked the providing companies to disable the function for BlackBerry, iPhone and Android devices.

Apple pulled the application from its market days later.

“I think these apps may be facilitating or enabling somebody to drink and drive, and the bottom line is driving under the influence is harmful to public safety,” said Conshohocken Chief of Police Michael Orler. “I believe was wise to pull the application.”

According to The Associated Press, Apple updated its application developer guidelines on June 9 to exclude DUI dodging applications, as well as others that warn users of speed traps and red-light cameras.

While DUI checkpoints are regularly made public by police ahead of time, no notices give specifics on where a driver may be stopped along his route.

“It is our goal to alert motorists that we are out there, and people can use that information, hopefully, for the good,” said Upper Merion Chief of Police Ron Fonock, who said someone will always try to elude traffic stops. “Law-abiding citizens realize law enforcement is trying to address the problem of drinking and driving and doing something proactive about it.

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