Nissan 370Z Forum - radar detector users encouraged to read this

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Quote:

Originally Posted by eddieconfetti (Post 1601692)

radar detectors aint gonna help u with tickets. u can not rely on it.

A radar detector is going to help you with tickets, but no, you cannot rely on it. It will give you an edge, but it's no guarantee. They may be able to nail you if you're the only car on the road, but the excellent range of modern radar detectors can certainly let you know when the cop hits the guy 1/2 mile in front of you. Drive smart, use the traffic around you wisely and they are certainly a worthwhile investment. Over the years, radar detectors have cost me far less money than I'd ever spend on the tickets and insurance consequences that they've saved me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by onzedge (Post 1601872)

I am jumping in here before the thread gets closed.

I have been using radar detection since the mid-eighties and have always used Escort/Passport products. I currently use a 9500ix and a Solo (when I rent cars). Are they foolproof? No. Do they prevent tickets? No. Do I use them just so I can feel protected and speed more? No.

It is foolish to think that a good radar detector will keep you from getting pulled over. It is equally foolish to make statements about how useless they are.

Effective radar detection like the kind you get with higher-end units has saved me from several tickets over the years. I have always driven vehicles that can easily exceed posted speed limits and they do not always provide feedback about how fast I am going. I also do not drive along looking constantly at the speedo. Radar detection helps keep me mindful of who may be out there looking to cite folks. Several dozen times, I have been lit up, quickly glance down and check my speed and then slow down if needed only to let someone else get the hit.

On the flip side, the last speeding ticket I got was about 5 years ago in one of my 240Z's. Heading up hwy 99 toward Yuba City at o'dark thirty in the morning (the road is two lanes on each side with a turn lane running down the middle) I saw a CHP coming the opposite direction. My radar emitted a single beep and as he passed, I saw his brake lights come on in my side view mirror.

He got me going over the limit by a bit. I asked how he got me, because he saw my detector. Instant on radar was the reply. It is hard to counter that, I said, and he agreed.

Radar detection is smart, in my opinion, but it is not a panacea. You still have to use your head, pay attention, buy good equipment and do not drive like an idiot.

:iagree: :tiphat:

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerribleONE (Post 1601883)

I agree however you are kind of contradicting yourself.. you said it cant prevent tickets but then said it saved you numerous times? I dont think anyone is trying to argue that you can drive like a mad man with a radar detector and not get caught, that is just a unrealistic expectation. I too have gotten a ticket with my detector, however its saved me way more times than it has let me down

I agree. My wording may be a bit off. I meant that they do not provide an absolute guarantee. My post also explains that I got a ticket even with a detector.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddieconfetti (Post 1601692)

radar detectors aint gonna help u with tickets. u can not rely on it.

Mine has helped make me more aware of the threats in my area. This helps me avoid tickets.

I've been using my V1 radar detector for about 3 years now and still think it's worth every penny and then some, but I'm obviously an idiot.

Luckily, I have a convertible so I can spot a huge blimp while driving. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert (Post 1601973)

Mine has helped make me more aware of the threats in my area. This helps me avoid tickets.

:tup:

Ok a couple quick points I want to make:

1) When the police are doing overhead / aircraft based monitoring of speed they are using automated systems (like VASCAR+) that can measure speed with quite a bit of accuracy. They can monitor a side of a highway with a single aircraft, report speeds of all cars below and radio those to police who are waiting below. It's a pretty accurate and efficient system, it does cost quite a bit to run and therefore many jurisdictions have stopped using it due to the expense involved.

2) Radar detectors do exactly what they say they do. Same is true with laser detectors. This doesn't mean they will prevent you from getting a ticket. They provide you with additional information, under specific circumstances, and if you understand the information you are receiving it can possibly assist you in avoiding a ticket. In quite a few circumstances (instant-on etc) they may turn out to be too late, or effectively useless. Depending on your driving style, jurisdiction, and how you react to that information a radar or laser detector may be very useful or totally useless to you.

3) While radar jammers are illegal, laser jammer's currently are legal in quite a few US jurisdictions. Laser jammer's do work and basically cause the operator (the person with the laser gun) to not be able to get proper reading on your vehicle speed (so they get an error or are unable to get a reading at all). The problems with these devices tends to be range, how fast do they come on, and do they work against the right type of laser gun (i.e. against the correct pulse/signal/etc). Additionally not all police departments use laser guns, so you have to figure out whether or not this is good for you in your jurisdiction.

If you are pulled over for speeding, be courteous and respectful. Remember the police officer is just doings their job, they don't make the laws.