I'm gonna cry foul on this one Doug,

Ray was my mentor. He taught me how to drive and speed safely and covertly. It's a game of cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians... You've got to be better "armed" and aware than they are. I've got the V1, remove display, laser jammer, and the Bear Tracker.

LUCK has very little to do with it. This isn't arrogance, I don't complain if I get a ticket.

Left laners get busted.
Cell phone talkers get busted
Music players get busted
People driving excessive speeds get busted
People owning passive jammers get busted
Cheap detectors get busted


On top of this, as many DON'T know, because they haven't take the time to study, instant on can be beaten. That's right. In order for most radar guns to get a lock it must read a constant speed to calibrate and lock for about 1/3 - 1/2 a second within a range of about 6-7MPH per second. Guess what? If you can react within that time, your 911 can deccelerate more than 6 MPH per second. I've done it, several times.

Ditto - usually tho, it's just a lower ticket. It also pisses the hell out of the cops and they give you a lot of scrutiny....

Are you on Seattle's Eastside? I thought all of our Washington State patrol used laser? I'm up north and even small town Bellingham have switched to laser.

Pettybird, you've got quite a distinguished driving career, nothing personal, but besides a bit of luck there is also quite a bit of technique involved in staying out of trouble, and generally as a youngster you just don't have the technique. I was the same way when I was younger, and I still occasionally get nabbed, but everytime that I do I realize it's because I was preoccupied and wasn't alert or paying attention.

Interesting tidbit from times past on the Rennlist

First written in 1990 it predates the Ka Band and LIDAR but otherwise remains true as it was 11 years ago. To this I would add to learn the Rule of Tangents and also avoid attracting attention by passing slow-lane traffic at very rapid differential speeds.

I agree especially with the contention that if you are going to drive fast drive fast. Going 10 over on cruise control will soon have you adjusting the treble, talking on the cell phone or daydreaming. Go fast enough so that you are kept in the real moment, scanning ahead and behind, checking the oil pressure and temp, listening to the tires and anticipating police hiding spots. Comfortable at 72? Step it up to 85 - 90, conditions permitting. It's much safer because you WILL pay attention.

Of course Ferrari owners do not qualify for Rule One! But often a courteous exchange of info on your car will get you off with a warning if the cop is a fellow gear-head.

And so, without further adieu, the Ten Best Tips For Fearless Flying...



The following article appeared in Car and Driver Magazine in January 1991. The editorial department of Car and Driver has released this article for non-commercial use on the Internet and any other electronic networks and bulletin boards providing this disclaimer is attached. The article "Ten Best Tips for Fearless Flying" is written by Umberto Bigone (a psuedoynm) and the 1990 copyright and all rights to this story belong to Hachette Filipacchi Magazines.


TEN BEST TIPS FOR FEARLESS FLYING

Speeding-ticket headaches? Dr. Bigone has just the medicine for you. by Dr. Umberto Bigone Umberto Bigone (bee-GO-nay) ranks as one of the world's most enthusiastic motorists. At home here in Europe, or even in Canada, Dr. Bigone's license is pristine and points-free, which is to say clean, making him, statistically at least, a paragon of law-abiding propriety, a status he has enjoyed for decades. How, we asked Dr. Bigone, can he drive so rapidamente so regularly, while for the rest of us it's all we can do to keep our points total below the license-threatening redline? Generously, he has consented to share with us his ten best tips for flying on the highway without fear. Of cops. These tips are, most of them, methods we here at Car and Driver are well acquainted with, but Dr. Bigone's unique presentation conveys them concisely and in one highly entertaining and easy-to-use package.


I, Dr. Umberto Bigone, lover of high velocity vehicles and of using them in the manner that God intended, share for the first time with my fellow enthusiasts knowledge gained over decades of experience on heavily patrolled highways of the nation and the world. I do this free of charge, though the evolution of my secrets came in small, incremental, often expensive steps as new situations, new equipment, and new measurement techniques caused my original Golden Rule ("Watch Your Rear-View Mirror' ) to blossom into the Ten Best Ways. As in all offers American, a disclaimer is called for: if, after you learn these rules, you are apprehended, please do not attempt to call me and threaten legal action. Remember that advice may be worth no more than what you paid for it ( nothing in this instance) and that Dr. Bigone's special remedy cannot eliminate the risk of apprehension, though my tips can and do dramatically reduce such risk.

RULE 1: SELECT PROPER EQUIPMENT

You cannot hope to speed with impunity without proper equipment. The best radar detector money can buy is a mandatory investment. But there is more: think about the car itself. A bright red Ferrari F40 or Lamborghini Diablo, and a bespoilered and fat-tired Mustang GT are "ticket magnets". A nondescript Ford Aerostar, in mouse-gray- metallic, or a powder-blue generic U.S. sedan, are largely ticket-proof. It is sad, but the more overtly your vehicle displays the intent for high-speed use, the less it will be capable of doing so. Perhaps this fact explains why, in a presumably Darwinian evolution, Corvette drivers have become slower and slower, to the point of now being tragic but amusing mobile chicanes. The answer to driving fast without resorting to a dull automobile is the sports sedan, and fine examples abound, ranging from the Infiniti Q45 to the Taurus SHO and the Dodge Sprint R/T. If ordered in other than "Arrest-Me-Red", the modern sports sedan will provide many more miles of hassle free motoring at far greater speeds than a more "overt" vehicle. All cars may look the same to a radar gun, but radar is not the only threat, and if you are stopped, the type of vehicle you drive and what it says is about your driving style can be of decisive importance.

RULE 2: RECOGNIZE THE THREAT EARLY

This is a straightforward rule. Believe your detector, even if it gives only a short, uncertain signal. It may well be the dreaded K-band "instant-on" aimed at vehicles ahead of you. How often have I, hurtling down the highway, heard the first plaintative bleat from my Escort, pulled courteously to the right, permitted my close follower (in disregard of Rules 5 and 6) to blast by, only to have him receive a full dose of microwaves seconds later. This is inevitably followed by the offensive sucking-vacuum sound of a large police cruiser rushing past the now sanctimomously-slow Dr. Bigone. The scene ends, so sad, with a display of flashing lights somewhere up ahead. Scanning X-band radar is falling into increasing disuse, and many agencies are resorting to traditional seek-and-pace techniques. Or they may sneak up behind, match your speed, and then, within range, squeeze off a burp of instant-on to lock up the evidence. So sad, yes? You must learn to recognize "threat" vehicles. Even though the telltale "light bar" is increasingly absent, threat vehicles have some common characteristics they are almost always American, usually full-size Fords, full-size Chevrolets, Mustang GTs, or Plymouth Gran Furys/Dodge Diplomats. Period. Even without light bars, you should be able to pick out these vehicles at great distances by looking for windshield-pillar mounted spotlights (carefully folded inward) and, more importantly, fat tires. When approaching a suspect vehicle from the rear, look for the above cues plus check the underside for the telltale stabilizer bar, especially on Chevrolets. If you think you see a well-shod white, ivory, blue, or black Diplomat, Caprice, Mustang, or Crown Vic in your rear-view mirror, slow down! Permit him to come closer for positive identification. The seconds lost are meaningless and quickly regained if the possible threat is found to be benign. When entering a new state, take a few moments at a local gas pump to learn what types of vehicles and what types of surveillance the indigenous enforcement professionals use. It's time well spent.

RULE 3: MAINTAIN A GOOD DAYTIME SCAN

Daytime threat-avoidance is different from night-avoidance. You see the threat earlier, but he also sees you. (This is where the wisdom of Rule 1 becomes apparent Innocuous cars may pass unnoticed.) When moving smartly in daylight hours, constantly scan your mirrors and the road ahead for threats. Slow when going through underpasses, for the enforcer may be parked out of sight behind the far-side concrete. Be suspicious of any vehicle parked on the inside or outside shoulder. Slow down until you are sure it is not an enforcer. Check on-ramps as you drive by them. Give a quick look over your right shoulder, all the way to the top of the on-ramp to ensure that it is clean of the authorities. Monitor your rear-view mirror constantly for any sign of unusual activity. Try to remember cars that you pass. If, later, you see what appears to be a possible threat vehicle far behind you and don't remember passing it, slow down for identification. Even if you are reasonably sure you passed it, if that vehicle is now matching your speed (not getting smaller in your rear-view mirror), slow down for positive identification. Proper daytime scan has saved the author as many as five times per month.

RULE 4: MAINTAIN A GOOD NIGHT SCAN

At night, the radar-silent enforcer is hard to see. The daytime rules of underpass-slowing and on-ramp checking apply, but are more difficult to execute. The risk of moving up on an enforcer vehicle can be minimized by learning taillights. This is largely a process of elimination: pickups, vans, minivans, and Japanese or European vehicles are not likely to be threats. Nor are Chevettes, Escorts, GM J-bodies, or any front-wheel-drive vehicle. But if it looks large, or has Mustang LX taillights, you must immediately look for folded-in spotlights and/or fat rubber. Tragically, if these items are present, you must slow down, though it might only be an employee of a private security service on his way home. You can't take the chance. The prime instrument for night driving is the rear-view mirror, and the prime rule is to drive fast enough so that all headlights of passed motorists reduce rapidly in size. Any pair of headlamps that maintains the same size or the same separation between the lamps calls for immediate deceleration pending positive identification.

RULE 5: PRACTICE STEALTH, DECEPTION AND "HIDING"

You can move fast without exposing yourself, because you can usually find a "hare" who is pleased to demonstrate that his car is better than yours. Never attempt to dissuade him: instead, drop back to a safe distance and enjoy the radar shield. Do maintain the rear scan, because threat vehicles coming from behind you are now your responsibility.
Moving in a lane containing Class 8 trucks some distance ahead will also shield your car until you pass the truck. In daylight hours, you may choose to run at times with lights, at times without, hiding yourself in front of a group of trucks when you change illumination. The reason for this is that an enforcer, having "noticed" you from a long distance back, will be looking for a certain as-yet-unidentified vehicle with lights on (or without) as he moves quickly up through traffic. Suddenly, he is in identifiable range of a vehicle similar in size and shape to the one he believes may have been violating, only now the illumination is different from what he saw earlier, thus rendering him unsure.
Meanwhile, you, practicing Rule 2 and 3, will have slowed to a quasi-legal speed. This usually draws a perplexed and suspicious look from the officer, but no pull-over order, especially if you have removed your radar detector from the windshield or visor. An integral part of deception and hiding is the placement and removal of the detector. The unit belongs on the windshield or dash directly in front of you so that a following threat vehicle cannot see it. If you were an enforcer, would you not pursue vehicles wherein reside little amber or green blinking lights and kinky power cords, which can be seen from hundreds of feet away? If you believe you have been actually "noticed" by a trailing police vehicle, hide in front of large trucks, accelerate while under cover, and exit any off-ramp or rest area. At this juncture, you have nothing to lose.
Any time you believe that an officer wants to close in on you, remove the detector at once and place it on the seat next to you. If you are in imminent danger being stopped, execute the following emergency procedures in sequence: ( 1) remove detector and jam under seat, (2) wipe off suction cup or other telltale mark with moistened index fingertip, and (3) replace the cigarette lighter! An empty cigarette lighter outlet is a dead giveaway to the officer that he is dealing with a chronic but sly violator. He will treat you accordingly.


RULE 6: BEWARE OF SLOW MOVING "CLUMPS"

Many an otherwise-experienced and skillful motorist gets done in by what I call "clumps." Clumps are largish groups of vehicles covering all available lanes which move at, or close to, the posted limit. Danger lurks, strangely enough, because the vehicles are maintaining a very safe nose-to-tail distance, thus permitting the unsuspecting enthusiast to carefully make his way through. Unfortunately, when he emerges at the front of the clump, he will see a blinding array of flashing lights overwhelming his rearview mirror. Moral: most loose clumps contain at least one enforcer vehicle, one near the front (a marked cruiser) and maybe one near the center, or end, checking for lane-changing and in-and-out weaving. The latter may be unmarked, but knowledge of Rule 2 makes it a dead giveaway. There is no excuse for getting caught in a clump.


RULE 7: BEWARE OF CURVES, CRESTS, AND GRASSY MEDIANS


Instant-on may be placed so that the violator can be "shot" just as he crests a hill, before he has a chance to react. The crest ahead of you may also hide a police vehicle coming in the other direction, radar at the ready. Slow down before crests. It's safer.


RULE 8: AVOID UNPROFESSIONAL AND PROVOCATIVE BEHAVIOUR


The smart motorist does not alienate others. Slow to a moderate speed differential when passing other motorists. (After all, one of those benign-looking minivans may contain an off-duty officer equipped with pen and phone.) It is also good judgement to avoid provocative license plates such as "HI OFCR" or "SPEEDR." If I were an enforcer, I would give no breaks to those bearing the bumper sticker, "How's my driving Call 1-800-EAT-SHlT."


RULE 9: MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF ATTENTION AT ALL TIMES

Rapid motoring is a serious business incompatible with any simultaneous activity. Women can't conk their hair, males can't shave, and nose-probing is out of the question for both sexes. Caressing the passenger s fine thigh is permissible only while driving at, or near, the posted limit. Marital arguments, discussion of offsprings' grades, negotiations involving business - in person or on a car phone - are all incompatible with Rules 1 through 9. The enthusiast's favourite argument that the skilled, dedicated driver is safe at higher than average speeds holds true only if he is unimpaired and totally focused on the task at hand.


RULE 10: BEHAVE CORRECTLY WHEN STOPPED

Chronic rapid driving will, statistically, get you stopped sooner or later. Observance of Rules 1 through 9 will make it much, much later, but not "never." The consequences of the interception depend mightily on your behaviour.
Do not act blasé. A cocky stance of "Okay, so-you-got-me" is provocative. So is attempting to argue that there must be some terrible mistake, you know you were under the limit. Failure to remove the detector and the suction-cup marks and to replace the cigarette lighter will terribly disappoint the officer.
(It is now, by the way, that you wish you hadn't ordered the Sports Decor Pack," but this is a moot issue.) Be courteous, candid, and contrite. Trembling while handing over your license demonstrates that this situation is an unusual and terrifying experience for you. It shows respect for the law and fear of punishment.
(You'll do this automatically .)
The question, "Do you have any idea how fast you were going?" should be answered with, "Truly, I don't - my mind was wondering." (This is
accurate: You were not focusing on Rules 1 through 9!) "But I must have been over the limit or I guess you wouldn't have stopped me." Note that you weren't speeding deliberately - no "late for work" or "catch a plane" excuses! Your attention drifted a bit, that's all, no premeditated criminally was involved!
At this point, the officer may run a computer check on your hopefully uninteresting driving record which, if you have been diligently and consistently been practicing Dr. Bigone s rules, will be point-free! The resultant action may well be (1) a warning, (2) a modest fine not involving points, or (3) some "break" in the reported excess speed, minimizing the points and thus limiting the damage. The author has experienced all of these outcomes.
There you have it! May you drive enjoyably, safely, with low insurance premiums and a good, clean driving record.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Umberto Bigone, for obvious reasons, releases no biographical information

re: boredom in the above post ... I got stopped once in Wyo. (about 85 in a 55 I think) and when he stopped me I told the cop that earlier I was going the speed limit but everybody kept passing me -- little old ladies, farm turcks, etc. and so I sped up (in my bright red RX-7 turbo). Then I asked him "what's the REAL speed limit around here anyway?" He said they recognized it was important to avoid boredom at slower speeds and told me to go a little slower. We wished each other a nice day....

And I bought a V-1 right after that.

I'll bet you i can do that same stretch in say, ohhh, ah what the heck, I'm goin' for it--five hours!

Rule 10 has saved me a couple of times. Once while driving about 10 over I got stopped by a local plain clothes car. The local asked me if I knew why he was stopping me. I replied, "Yes officer. I was over the speed limit." He let me go.

Is it true that if there is a larger vehicle behind you, the radar (not laser) will pick that vehicle instead of you.

At one time it was a good routine to speed along next to a line of big rigs. Then I was told a couple of years ago that that's a NG.
Valentine has a site where you can ask questions.. and except for following bait about 1/8-1/4mi behind I think driving in the rain is still the only other safe areas for radar.

WSP has purchased a significant amount of cool equipment, including dozens of laser guns. There are a remarkable number of elderly devices that still operate well enough to generate revenue, however. I still pick up a lot of K-band radars.

Instant-on is great technology, but in practice I rarely see it. The trick is that it requires the officer to use it. Most of the officers I "meet" leave their radars on all the time. 9 traps out of 10, an el-cheapo detector would probably do fine in this area.

Dan

Ron - what's the relation re rain & radar? They use it in the rain here.

Hi Randy.
I didn't get any hard info for you.. but the rain causes the radio sig to reflect. If you had a routine consumer radar device you would see the scatter looking like white speckles scattered throughout the scope. The routine is that PD speed radar is not accurate because of this scatter. There are other PD radar problems, but the rain is a routine NG. I didn't ask Valentine for their interpetition of the "rain & radar".

If they use it in the rain it may be for intimidation only. I assume most radar detector drivers know this.
But maybe some tech advance has happened again. My real black projects answer man is no longer available for me.

Thx - the cops here are into intimidation big time... usually it's just beating up people with black T-shirts tho ("anarchists")

I love radar detectors. It makes my job easier. Full fines (starting at 100 up to 240+585 for wreckless). They give me no greater joy then knowing I am doing my job right. I get more with them then without. Troopers in Mn have access to a laser at any time. I have mine in the front seat and get about 30 an hour with it, great toy for me.

"Me thinks he doth protest too much"

and do they really take state troopers at age 25?

Well now that's a different view. Actually good to have you chime in SP441. Just to give a little reality to your glee in passing out tickets... I received a ticket in MA for going 26mph in a 15mph zone (pure trap)costing $85 for the ticket plus $325/year for 6 years in insurance premium increases. Maybe you don't care. I was exceeding the speed limit after all. The cop said "No big deal. Just pay the fine." Yea, and pay and pay and pay.

I have a detector...but I really dont think you can beat laser. But if you run behind a "pace car" you can beat "instant-on radar". You just have to avoid "leading the pack".

I always let some aggressive driver pass me on an empty road....give him some space, and then sit back and watch the detector......nothing works all the time but it helps the odds a bit IMO.

And I have no greater pleasure than driving by an officer at 64.9995 in a 65 mph speed zone and seeing the look on his face. Also lasers don't work in the front seat. They need to be stationary and aimed; and they can't be aimed through glass because of refraction. Light still bends even at the frequency of a laser; always has, always will. Technology has not caught up yet to allow moving laser. I went to court with a poorly trained officer who tried to use radar on a curve with a wire mesh fence between me and him. Tried to give me a ticket for 71 in a 65 at 3am with 3 or 4 other cars on the road. I'm sure he had safety on his mind as the top priority. It was thrown out because of the effect of the curve, the fence, the unit had not been recently calibrated, the officer had not been trained on its use, and the fact he wrote down 3pm on the ticket added insult to injury.

It's ok for drivers to throw cans out the window, not signal lane changes, turn right on red without stopping, tail gate, make u-turns across interstates, and block the left lane driving 50 mph without getting a ticket. The only state I've seen that somewhat fairly enforces all the laws has been California. There are a heck of a lot more infractions that could reduce the danger on the road than 5 or even 10 mph over the speed limit. And before you think I'm anti police officer, that's not the case. I've been a member of several organizations that support the families of law enforcement personnel for over 15 years. Bottom line, it's easier to sit under a shady overpass than to look for those causing the real havoc on the roads. And these fines don't bring in the revenue that a speeding ticket does. That's the bottom line although many try to hide behind the excuse that they are saving lives when in fact the numbers don't support this since speed limits were raised.