A radar detector isn't enough

masraum · 06-08-2011, 04:06 AM

You have to keep your eyes open too.

I came in to work this morning about 1/2 hour earlier than usual arriving at 6:15. I take a toll road that loops around Houston to get to work. The speed limit is 65, but the traffic usually moves at 75-80. At 6am the traffic is really light. It's not uncommon to see 85mph. I crested an overpass this morning as the approaching sunrise started to lighten the sky. Because the traffic was so light, I was out front with no one to hide behind. I noticed an odd silhouette on the shoulder. It took me a second to realize that it was a motorcycle with a rider sitting perpendicular to the flow of traffic. I wasn't sure that it was a cop, but I knew that it was odd so I hit the brakes. A fraction of a second later, and my V1 blared it's warning. I'm sure that when he hit, I was still probably speeding a bit, but was probably within the safe range.

A radar detector is great, and has saved me or at least warned me many, many times over. You've still got to drive smart (smarter than I was this morning) and be alert. Being tired and complacent this morning almost got me.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I've been a victim of instant-on and quick-trigger several times. My RD is excellent and also pays for itself regularly by pointing out the tax collectors. But it doesn't work well all by itself. Gotta keep the eyes open.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Yep. Situational awareness is the key. If you're the guy "out in front" of the pack, you can't count on the protection of the V1. It is however superb if you're running with a group. You get the warning, the other guy doesn't and you can casually bleed off speed and drift over to the right. Make the other guy take the hit for you.

Ideally I like to find some young punk who's driving like an aggressive a-hole, then follow entrail a bit (minus the zig-zag lane changes and other stupid behavior, just match their speed). Use them as "cop chum". 10 times out of 10 the cop will nail them, not you. It works even better if it's a ricer/"tuner car". Cops love to bust them.

masraum · 06-08-2011, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

Yep. Situational awareness is the key. If you're the guy "out in front" of the pack, you can't count on the protection of the V1. It is however superb if you're running with a group. You get the warning, the other guy doesn't and you can casually bleed off speed and drift over to the right. Make the other guy take the hit for you.

Ideally I like to find some young punk who's driving like an aggressive a-hole, then follow entrail a bit (minus the zig-zag lane changes and other stupid behavior, just match their speed). Use them as "cop chum". 10 times out of 10 the cop will nail them, not you. It works even better if it's a ricer/"tuner car". Cops love to bust them.

Yep, that's my usual MO, but wasn't this morning.

TGTIW · 06-08-2011, 04:50 AM

Does anyone in on-coming traffic flash to warn when there is a cop anymore?
I remember it used to b quite commmon, but I don't see it anymore, I sill still do it for others though..

Steve Carlton · 06-08-2011, 05:02 AM

Laser is the bigger problem.

masraum · 06-08-2011, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TGTIW

Does anyone in on-coming traffic flash to warn when there is a cop anymore?
I remember it used to b quite commmon, but I don't see it anymore, I sill still do it for others though..

I see it very rarely. I do it occassionally too.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

I agree 100%

masraum · 06-08-2011, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Laser is the bigger problem.

Yes, I have had my V1 give me laser warnings that potentially saved me, but usually, if you get a laser hit, the radar detector is just telling you to expect the ticket. I'd like to get a blinder xtreme, but don't have the money to spend on one.

A930Rocket · 06-08-2011, 06:28 AM

I still do it, but I wonder if people know what it means now a days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TGTIW

Does anyone in on-coming traffic flash to warn when there is a cop anymore?
I remember it used to b quite commmon, but I don't see it anymore, I sill still do it for others though..

wdfifteen · wdfifteen's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by masraum

I take a toll road that loops around Houston to get to work. The speed limit is 65, but the traffic usually moves at 75-80. At 6am the traffic is really light. It's not uncommon to see 85mph.

If you see a cinnamon colored Hummer taking up two lanes and cycling between 45 and 75 mph smile and wave. That's probably my friend Rick. (It it's anywhere near the Colorado Club it's definitely him) If some gray haired guy is in the passenger seat hiding his face and trying to ignore the rude gestures from other drivers, that would be me.

Pazuzu · 06-08-2011, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TGTIW

Does anyone in on-coming traffic flash to warn when there is a cop anymore?
I remember it used to b quite commmon, but I don't see it anymore, I sill still do it for others though..

Isn't that some kinda gang initiation?

On this road, you could flash your lights for days and no one else would see them, it's about 45 lanes wide...

Zeke · 06-08-2011, 06:41 AM

Screw the tax collectors. Drive in the right lanes doing the speed limit. We're way beyond having to prove one's macho by pushing the envelope. That's for knuckle dragging penis envy types of drivers.

And stock brokers at O'dark thirty on the 405 approaching LAX.

Pazuzu · 06-08-2011, 06:44 AM

We speed in Houston because the distances are so great, an extra 20mph means an extra hour of sleep in the morning!!

carr914 · 06-08-2011, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Laser is the bigger problem.

Caliber makes Laser Diffusers that are Legal. They don't "Jam" the signal, just makes them unreadable to the "Smokey"

masraum · 06-08-2011, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milt

We're way beyond having to prove one's macho by pushing the envelope.

No pushing the envelope. This is just cruising. The roads are straight as far as the eye can see and 50 lanes wide. I'm not talking about constant lane changes and 2 fast 2 furious.

sluk · 06-08-2011, 07:43 AM

Wife got pulled over in the Dallas area by local PD who told her Laser detectors are illegal in TX. Anyone no if this is real or not. TIA.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 06-08-2011, 07:52 AM

brake lights a mile ahead.

masraum · 06-08-2011, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sluk

Wife got pulled over in the Dallas area by local PD who told her Laser detectors are illegal in TX. Anyone no if this is real or not. TIA.

Well, I'm no law expert, but that sounds like a load of bunk.

Laser detectors illegal, seems unlikely.

Laser jammers illegal, seems very possible.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Laser jammers aren't illegal - how do you propose to ban light?