Do you warn oncoming motorists of a speed trap? (Austin: 2014, law)

[DMChicago]

I used to all the time. From way back in the day when you stomped on the floorboard switch.

I still do it on occasion, if I feel the speed trap is just a cash grab and not a true safety issue.

Ex: On 2222 or 620 I don't. People drive way too damn fast on those roads.

OTOH, there has been a speed trap on Bullick Hollow, just west of 620. A safe stretch of road, never seen an accident. Speed limit is 40 and since it's curvy and leads to a steep curved downhill, it's hard to really get past 45 or 50. But there they are, pulling folks over left & right.

I've been known to flash a few drivers. And been flashed as well.

[Vacanegro]

Absolutely. It's not about safety these days just about revenue collection.

[sojourner77]

You can get issued a ticket (or possibly arrested) for doing so. I wouldn't.


I will flash my brights if the freeway is completely stopped going the other direction because an accident is blocking all lanes. That's about the only circumstance.

[CarnivalGal]

Originally Posted by DMChicago

Ex: On 2222 or 620 I don't. People drive way too damn fast on those roads.

Half of the time, those roads are so congested, I'm lucky to get out of second gear. I'd be thrilled to be able to actually go the speed limit.

[svendrell]

I used to warn oncoming traffic when I was young.

Now that I'm older and have dealt with rude speeders who cut people off and only think of themselves, I don't warn them. I smile when they're pulled over.

[azsportpilot]

Originally Posted by Vacanegro

Absolutely. It's not about safety these days just about revenue collection.

indeed, and the speed trap poses a serious safety risk by it's own presence

many accidents have been caused by motorists (who may not have been speeding) slamming on their brakes to avoid being financially persecuted

[TexasHorseLady]

Okay, here's the deal. If you are speeding and you get caught, you were not "trapped". You are experiencing the predictable consequences of your own chosen actions, no matter what you might think of the law itself.

And "it's all about revenue" is generally the cry of the speeder who doesn't like to experience the predictable consequences of their own actions to themselves.

That being said, if you warn of police up ahead, you're slowing down traffic, so that's a good thing. Slamming on brakes is not necessary and is an indicator of a guilty conscience (and a really bad driver).

[pop251808]

A policemen busy by the side of the road is one who can't pull you over, because he's busy. Leave him alone to do his job.

[SuperPollito]

I would flash all day everyday and dare the police to infringe upon my First Amendment rights.

Federal judge rules drivers allowed to flash headlights to warn of speed traps | Fox News

[Trainwreck20]

I have yet to see a 'speed trap' in Austin or surrounding areas. 'Trap' implies they somehow encourage you to speed and then give you a ticket, or lower the speed limit and try to get you right at the sign.