Date:         Thu, 16 May 2002 16:18:26 -0500
Reply-To:     Chris Mills <scmills@TNTECH.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Mills <scmills@TNTECH.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Radar detector
In-Reply-To:  <005f01c1fd0d$3a8f8150$6401a8c0@tdaoffice>
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>I know a man who sold radar detectors. The fact is (he said) that none of
>them worked. Snake oil would work better.

As along time user of Radar Detectors, I think I'll throw my .02 in real
quick.

A radar detector simply tells you that it detected a few specific signals
on certain bandwidths (correct term?).

It is up to the driver to interpret the signals.

That said there are several good techniques both sides are using.

The cops have gone to laser which is very specific and does not often alert
the drivers around you that your speed is being checked. Some states use
helicopters and stop watches. Some use instant on radar. All of these can
be used on you or your fellow drivers without a clue that anything is going
on. Doesn't give you much time to react either.

On the other hand if you will let somebody else lead the pack and if you
use a radar detector you can - in theory - know his speed is being checked
before your speed gets checked (assuming the cop is up front and not out
behind you someplace).

I have had as much success following faster drivers as with a radar
detector. Put those two together and I think you would be really well off.
These days though I mostly just drive the speed limit.... Causes a whole
lot less stress and over a 3 hour drive - 10 mph only gets you there 20-30
minutes sooner - it takes me a WHOLE lot longer to work off $150+.

Oh and with time radar detector's sensitivities seem to go down (age).

See ya.


Chris Mills in TN