This is rather lengthy up-to-date course in what's happening in the world of Radar Detectors. I used to have one in every car I owned. I still carry one in the Audi but only hook it up on long trips. A sure sign I'm getting old or maybe its just my vehicles. I don't do much speeding in my 58 year old MG, nor in my 20 year old Ford F150. Last time I had one in constant use was with the sweet S2000. I know better than give the ones that are gathering dust to my oldest grandson or his dad.

Probably most of you know that anything besides a Valentine or Escort are a waste of money. Don't believe me, read the article written by someone who certainly knows a thing or two on the subject.

Why Radar Detectors Matter More Than Ever - The Drive

 

Alex Roy, the author of the article on professional speeding linked in the linked article notes "15 over on the interstate? That's just the tip." I assume he means don't bother. 10,000 miles at 85 mph on the interstate will save 35 hours of driving the same distance at the posted 70 mph speed limit. 40 minutes a week if done over a year. 6 minutes a day. Pretty much works out to don't bother yet he considers radar detectors essential. Maybe for those couple of days he drives continually at speeds in the 120 mph range?

Speeding remains an awareness exercise, a matter of observational skills and a radar detector is just a tool. Downhill right hand sweeping curves are favorite places for police cars on the OH and especially PA Turnpikes; any hint of a radar signal there should be taken seriously. Sitting on the other side of humped bridges in defilade. Stay out of the high speed lane. You may activate radar while driving in the right lane but it's frequently the guy who's been in the left lane the past 50 miles who will bet the tag.

-- Chuck

 

I haven't used a radar detector in 10+ years, and I pretty much got a ticket annually when riding with one. Go figure.

99% of the time I stick with the 10% rule, unless it's residential and then I've got cruise control within 1mph of the limit. There are times when I put my foot down a little bit, but far less often than in previous years, it just isn't worth the bother to me anymore.

 

I generally drive 13 over no matter the state. . . but I certainly agree in PA and OH you really need to stay alert. Because of my wife's back condition we stop every 50 miles so she can get out and walk around for a few minutes. Even tho speeding I often pass the same cars over and over and over but at least we all arrive at the same time.

 

+1 Chris has never gotten a speeding ticket, and she consistently drives about 5mph + above the posted limit on the interstate. The limit is usually 75 or 80 mph now in TX and NM. But her tach is not calibrated, so she is probably not speeding. I move the Valentine from vehicle to vehicle when I switch, because I adapt cruising speed to the highway conditions and traffic. And sometimes I hook onto an Aston Martin wasting no time and cruise the miles away for the fun of the tandem. Then we stop for gas and talk... ������ I haven't gotten a citation in many years. I don't even remember when. But I normally slow when when I enter the radius of a town on the interstate - that has a state ranger on duty. And I avoid taking stupid risks - I'd rather slow and not be a danger to other drivers. But if I didn't enjoy a need for speed, I'd maybe drive a Yugo. I just sent my V2 in to the factory to be updated.

 

I gave up radar detectors at least 15 years ago. I typically do 10 over on divided expressways and 5 over on surface streets. I stay in the right lane except to pass, and always make sure I have someone in front of me. I have been pulled over for speeding once since giving up the detector, and that was when I broke one of my rules...I was the lead guy.

 

Waze, Waze, Waze.

That said, I was recentlt tagged from behind with laser. 96 in a 65 in NJ. Nice clear moonlit evening with little to no traffic and traveling in the right lane..

Hired a lawyer and plead to 70 in a 65.

I was WAY overdue. I don't normally do those speeds.

 

My son-in-law is a cop. He advises 10-12 over on major highways and 5-7 on surface streets. I have not used my escort for over 12 years. Last speeding ticket was 9 years ago on I-95. 80 in a 60 zone in the S2000. I made the mistake of passing a slower car driving in the right lane and the cop nailed me.

 

I figure the cost of speeding tickets, these day... if the darn thing saves you from one ticket every year --- it's paid for itself. A non-intrusive radar detector is important. The Valentine has too many false hits. Very annoying.

I have this one, now. Escort Max 360.

 

I gave up on them years ago.
I, too, found they gave me to much confidence when it wasn't deserved.
with instant on laser, you're just toast.