Who cannot help themselves?

[blinkwatt]

deliriousga is this model good? I do not know much of radar detectors.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Whistler-DE1748C-Radar-Laser-Detector-1748-C-1748C-NEW_W0QQitemZ8013427812QQcategoryZ38654QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[SD987]

Blink, living in California as we do, you need to be concerned primarily with detection on the Ka band as that is what is used by CHP and every municipality that I've encountered driving through much of this big-ass state.

You'll be ok with any decent detector made by a reputable company as most have decent Ka detection. That being said, my experiences are as follows.

CHP drives around with their radar on about half the time. Those with it on are on definitive hunt and kill. A good detector will allow you to avoid these. CHP with the radar off will turn it on if you happen to fly by them without seeing them. They prefer to get a radar reading to cite on your ticket and without following you for a period of time, they obviously can't get an exact fix on your speed. This has happened to me three times in the last six months, and each time the cop got on his microphone and told me to slow-down (which I of course did when they turned their radar on), I was lucky...but it's pretty embarassing . The municipal cops seem less concerned with speed enforcement, although most large forces operate a traffic division (they drive the annoying cruisers without the light bars on top).

I'd rank the threats as:

1. CHP motorcycle cops - They have Ka radar on their bikes (no clue how they manage this). It seems less strong, but you have alot less time to react if it's radar from a bike-cop. Of course, many bike cops don't need to use their radar because they're so hard to see in traffic. On this note, if I see an unidentified bike headlight coming up fast I always slow down until I can make it out. Usually it's not a cop, but it has been enough for me to take note.

2. Traffic division cruisers - for the reasons stated above. Although they usually have their radar on.

3. Laser usage - which was reported on PPBB in the LA area and will probably be coming to a municipality near you. Radar defenses sold in this country aren't real effective against Laser - if you're getting a reading, it's too late. I saw an interesting episode of 5th gear recently about anti-laser devices, as laser is more prevalent in the UK.

I have a V1 and would suggest the same, because the arrows are so great and the detection quite good.

Blinkwatt, what is it that you want to accomplish? Drive fast and possibly not get caught? If so, then a radar detector may assist your effort. But, I thought your question also had another underlying concern. That being what is best for your saftey and longevity of your car, and maybe your parents lack of approval.

You're a smart young man! You know that a radar detector is not the answer.

Doing the right thing is not always easy.

[Jeph]

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

deliriousga is this model good? I do not know much of radar detectors.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Whistler-DE1748C-Radar-Laser-Detector-1748-C-1748C-NEW_W0QQitemZ8013427812QQcategoryZ38654QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'd recommend either an Escort, V1, BEL, or possibly K40.

When it comes to radars, you generally get what you pay for.

[Brucelee]

I have never had a detector. My last speeding ticket was in 1970.

Hmm, I must drive slowly.

Actually I don't but I usually (not always) stay about 10 over.

In my experience, the cruise control is invaluable in keeping one's license. I make liberal use of this device to curb my impulses and to not have to pay attention to keeping the speed down.

Good luck!

PS--

My son has always had a dectector, always the BEST model.

Gets a speeding ticket about every 18 months.

Go figure.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

I've never owned a Detector and have Never been Ticketed, well, not exactly true, I have sucessfully argued with the Cop and defended several in Court, incl. a 125 in a 25 zone!

IMHO, I think a Detector makes one feel more secure and therefore more likely to exceed the Limit. Eventually, this is gonna catch up with you.

I also believe that you seriously hamper any ability to reason with the Cop, or a Judge, if they see a Detector hanging off your windshield - give the impression that you intend to exceed the Speed Limit. I've spoken with several Cops and State Troopers who've said that they would never give a break to a guy with a Detector...

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

I've never owned a Detector and have Never been Ticketed, well, not exactly true, I have sucessfully argued with the Cop and defended several in Court, incl. a 125 in a 25 zone!

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

Hey Jim, good one! How'd you accomplish this amazing feat? Tell the Judge the 1 looked like a 0?

[Perfectlap]

yes I'd like to hear about that too. I was with a friend as a passenger when we were pulled over doing 95(slowing down for the exit at that point) and the cop nearly killed my friend he was so mad. He had his license suspended for 6 months.

[xavier405]

I'm actually not overly thrilled at speeding on freeways - I mean its fun but jeesh there are so many other cars. Every few days I see some nut zigzagging through traffic in a sportscar and I have to think, dude, where do you think you are? Its like he is living out some NASCAR fantasy, but its not against Jeff Gordon, its against some minivan mom. Really, is that racing? Where is the thrill in that?

The places you will catch me driving like a maniac are empty roads, particularly the industrial office park near where I work, where there are blocks and blocks of buildings under construction. After 5pm, you've got clear wide roads, empty of other cars or trucks, and usually good visibility around corners. Just watch out for the loose dirt spilled around the entrances!!


Also we should get to an autocross track or a PCA event if we want to get a thrill...

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

IMHO, I think a Detector makes one feel more secure and therefore more likely to exceed the Limit. Eventually, this is gonna catch up with you.

I also believe that you seriously hamper any ability to reason with the Cop, or a Judge, if they see a Detector hanging off your windshield - give the impression that you intend to exceed the Speed Limit. I've spoken with several Cops and State Troopers who've said that they would never give a break to a guy with a Detector...

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

I actually did get out of a ticket (40 in a 25) with my Passport 8500 X50 still up on the windshield. I got tagged with a handheld laser by a cop hiding behind a bush in someone’s driveway – no time to react. I made things easy on the Police officer and he let me off with a $40 ticket for the detector obstructing my view!

Also, I have used detectors for years and feel that they can be very helpful if you know how to use them. They don’t give you a license to drive like a complete tool, but they do allow you to push the envelope a little further.

These have worked pretty well for me over the years:

- never drive more than 15 MPH over – so there is still plenty of time to slow down and you don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
- never be the fastest car on the road
- if your detector gives you an alert and then quickly goes silent, slow down anyway. There is likely a Cop ahead using instant on who just clocked someone else. Your turn will be in about 20 seconds.

Above all, be safe!

I firmly believe that traffic enforcement in this country is much more about revenue generation that safety. In almost all cases, a sober driver who is paying attention and operating equipment as fine as ours can drive in excess of the posted speed limit in good weather conditions without endangering anyone.

If the Police were truly concerned about enhancing safety, they should focus on targeting following distance, lane discipline, and driver inattention such as cell-phone use.

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

I've never owned a Detector and have Never been Ticketed, well, not exactly true, I have sucessfully argued with the Cop and defended several in Court, incl. a 125 in a 25 zone!



Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

I agree with the others Jim, this story needs to be told.