Radar detector owners, are you glad you got one? (speedtrap, sell, highway)

[stillkit]

Originally Posted by Deez Nuttz

Assuming you drive a truck (by your username) I'm surprised you didn't also include a CB radio as a radar detector; unless if you don't use one...I've had my CB radio on in my personal vehicle and heard the truckers hollering out where all the speed traps were 10 miles before I got there. Sure was funny watching people come flying up and then slamming on brakes at the last second, yet here I was cruising along at the speed limit.

CB's are not as effective as they used to be. Too many drivers now refuse to say anything about the cops they see, probably out of fear the cop will hear them. Or, because they simply don't give a damn about their fellow drivers.

During the last years of my career on the road, I can't tell you how many times I'd drive right up on a cop after having just passed a string of trucks, none of whom said a word. Of course, if I said anything to them (which I usually did, and not nicely either), the response was something like, "You shouldn't have been speeding."

I can even think of three instances right off hand when I got a ticket from a cop who was following close behind a truck going the other way and the driver said nothing.

The point is that while CB's have their place, like radar detectors, they're just another tool in a drivers bag, not the total answer.

[Deez Nuttz]

Originally Posted by stillkit

CB's are not as effective as they used to be. Too many drivers now refuse to say anything about the cops they see, probably out of fear the cop will hear them. Or, because they simply don't give a damn about their fellow drivers.

During the last years of my career on the road, I can't tell you how many times I'd drive right up on a cop after having just passed a string of trucks, none of whom said a word. Of course, if I said anything to them (which I usually did, and not nicely either), the response was something like, "You shouldn't have been speeding."

I can even think of three instances right off hand when I got a ticket from a cop who was following close behind a truck going the other way and the driver said nothing.

The point is that while CB's have their place, like radar detectors, they're just another tool in a drivers bag, not the total answer.

True, a CB can only be a supplement to a radar detector. I suppose those "too many drivers" probably don't realize not as many cops run CB's in their cars these days or if they do, unless the cop saw the driver key up or the cop had a field strength analyzer on hand (to narrow down which truck was transmitting), there's not that great of a chance of the cop knowing who blew the whistle. But then again my understand for the lack of CB use for speed traps is because most company trucks are governed these days and with the raising of the 55 mph speed limit, there's not much of a need for a "bear report".

[Huskyz]

Originally Posted by wanneroo

I work with a lot of ex troopers and they all tell me, radar detector means instant ticket because it demonstrates an intent to speed, unlike someone who "accidentally" went a little fast. Mostly what troopers are looking for is people working traffic, tailgatting, dramatic lane changes, not just speed alone.

...and seat belts demonstrate an intent to ? and guns ? and knives ? and performance cars ? and .... ? This is a great approach to police work, just arrest people based on their intent...it will cut down on a lot of other crimes too. Makes me feel a lot safer...just curious what state this is?

...oh, and ,those folks who went a little fast 'accidentally' would apparently be safer drivers since they are not paying as much attention to it

I believe the way I use a detector makes me no less safe. I sometimes drive a few miles an hour faster WHEN CONDITIONS PERMIT (say on an uncrowded interstate), but I am also more focused on what I am doing.

BTW, I think using a GPS (in traffic and busy situations) probably causes more accidents.

[PNW-type-gal]

I don't bother with one anymore. Most of my open highway driving is done just 5-10 over (depending on conditions and traffic). Granted it'd be nice, when you are driving 1000 miles, to go 20 over and get there a lot faster, but it's just not worth the effort and it also seems to me that the stupidity of drivers goes up every year. (Things like cars changing lanes without looking or while engaged with some electronic device and not paying nearly enough attention to where they are.) I'm also doing the 1,000 mile drive only a couple times a year, compared to the once-a-month or so a few years back.

[Crew Chief]

I got a couple of speeding tickets waaay back when I was young, dumb and (y'all know the rest...). But as I got older, my need for speed became greatly reduced. After my military career, I got into trucking and have over a million safe miles without a speedintg ticket. I've never owned a radar detector.

With all due respect to Stillkit; it's a different world out there for truckers nowadays. Triple-digit trucks are almost a thing of the past. And probably with good measure, considering the way law enforcement is on our backs and CSA and the lawyers and more... I own a CB. I enjoy intelligent conversation with other CB owners. I frequently keep it low because of the "Sesame Street" mentality on Channel 19. I've never driven a truck that could go any faster than 67 mph. And I'm still happy.

My personal experience (FWIW) is that, in most states) you have to be REALLY stupid to get a ticket in a big truck. I can't say that I've NEVER warned oncoming traffic about speed traps ( Henry Co. KY is definitely the exception) but I pretty much have the attitude that "if you are being stupid, you DESERVE a ticket". And I also feel that IN has become just VISCIOUS about "revenue enhancement"...

[scottfs]

Had one in college when I was a total leadfoot. I would drive between Arizona and DC a couple of times a year and it definitely saved my butt quite a few times on the open road, especially in rural areas.

I have mellowed considerably since then and it fell out of use. Then I moved to Virginia, where they're illegal so just gave up using it entirely. Never got a ticket using a detector, but haven't gotten one since my college days with or without a detector anyway. I wouldn't get another one. I feel better these days just taking it a little slower, and just being cautious and conscious of the police/speed limit.

[skoro]

I've used one, but not erecently. It probably saved me a couple of times. But these days when I'm out on the road, I just set the cruise control at the speed limit +2 or 3 mph and have never had a problem. Saves on gas, too.

[TriV E uhM]

Yes, I am glad I own a radar detector. One of the best electronic investment I've made. Private message me if you care to learn more.

[ukrkoz]

I can only speak for WA state. They use lidars here. There is not a single detector that works on lidars. It's basically a laser type concentrated beam, pointed at a reflective surface on a vehicle, usually - front license plate, required in this state. Detector sensor has to be on same area, lidar beam is pointing at.
There are police tactics that, even with conventional radar gun, makes them unavoidable for detection. I lost $180 this way once.
Also, police considers speeders with detectors same as arsonists cought with match box in the pocket. Just pisses them off, as it means, you were prepared to speed.
For what it is, it is easier to keep it at 5 above and be happy.

[WyoNewk]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

... He told me the only reason he stopped me was because I was the only car that slowed down so he knew I had a detector.

Originally Posted by wanneroo

...I work with a lot of ex troopers and they all tell me, radar detector means instant ticket because it demonstrates an intent to speed....

I used to use them; don't speed now so don't need 'em.

Years ago I was riding shotgun for my (ex)wife in her Porsche when a Vette passed us. She was already speeding right along so was shocked when she got passed. The fact it was a Vette was like a challenge for her, so she kicked it. Just as she was passing the Vette, now 20-30 mph over the limit, the Passport started singing, and a second later we saw flashing lights.

I didn't say a thing.

The cop walked up alongside her window and asked for her license and registration. And the Passport replied, "BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!"

I couldn't help myself. I burst out laughing, then my wife started laughing, then the cop started laughing. Of course he let her off with a warning. She ALWAYS got off with a warning -- blonde, nice smile, innocent, "I was speeding? Really?"