KevinH

I started out driving with a RADAR detector the day I got my liscense (an Escort bigger than a Clancy paperback) and never was without one for the next ten years. When I got my A4 in '97 I decided to forget the detector, thought I'd be resposible and keep it under "high speeds" more often. I found that over the past couple of years, though still driving agressively, I have had fewer encounters with the law. I think that RADAR detectors give you a false sense of security, instant-ons can still get you if your alone on the highway. If you keep your eyes opened, look for brake lights, and watch for possible ambush sites it's almost as good as having a detector. What's the forums opinion on this?<br>

al

Nothing personal, but I totally disagree. There are WAAAAY too many places for cops to sit where you CAN'T see them with your eyes, but a radar detector COULD see them.<p>Just my $.02.

trifona

False sense of security? I would tend to agree<p>My last ticket was 3 years ago; within 2 weeks of buying my first detector, it was a Uniden 360 w/ Laser. Damn thing always falsed, yet the night i got my ticket....nothing...silence. Nailed w/ instant on 67 in a 45.<p>I promptly returned the piece of trash.<p>Since then ive been clean. The only threats i worry about is from cruisers overtaking me from behind at night.<p>However, after posting my V1 questions, btw: Thanks guys for posting!; im having second thoughts about spending $440 on the detector. Sure its the best unit on the market, but to be frank, any detector will give a driver a false sense of security; you cant do much about laser or instant on, and those seem to be the biggest threats right now.<p>It's not even the money issue, its just that w/ a detector i have a feeling i will get more tickets than without. I will let my guard down...human nature.<p>Still brewing on what to upgrade....<p><br>trifona <br>'99.5 1.8tqms

slack

Ever been driving, and you dont feel like concetrating on the road a 1/2 mile ahead, and looking for white caprices, and ltd's....thats when the detector is most valuable.

ChrisWB

Why not use both methods?

ChrisW

Your last 2 sentences (excluding forum opinons) is right on the money. My favorite people to stop ARE the ones with radar detectors. Why? because of exactly the reason you stated above, false sense of security, and some of them drive like they're impervious to being stopped. I also write on the bottom of the tick I turn in to court what brand RD they're using. The few people I've gone to trial for for a radar ticket, the prosecutor puts the defendant on the spot, on the stand, as to why they were using a RD. This point really sells to the jury. I've (the state) yet to lose a radar ticket. Al is somewhat correct. A good RD 'may' help you spot where radar is being used. I, if I needed to worry about getting tickets (in SA), would use the V1 AND more importantly, use religiously the techniques mentioned by KevinH. RD's are useless if you are the veh. targeted, or you're being paced. You'd be amazed at how many dodo's I can follow in the next lane over pacing them as they sit there and drive with tunnel vision with their RD on. These are the kind of drivers with RD's I like to stop. It shows me they are NOT being observant drivers. The only point I would add to KevinH's post is, WATCH YOUR MIRRORS ALL THE TIME! One point I'd like you to consider, if you don't have a RD, you're going to be more cautious and more aware of your surroundings, IMO. I don't have a RD, and knowing generally how radar operators work, just watch my mirrors and use techniques stated by KevinH when I drive out of town, cuz the 'gold card' doesnt always work out of your own area!<br>your friendly .Org officer, Chris<br>1.8tqms in waiting...

ChrisW

Then slow down, driving should not be done w/ your head up.....(in the clouds) Driving should be taken seriously. More people killed on roads than by other means

Ray Calvo

CB radio; get warnings for miles ahead. To me, getting this info keeps me more alert.<p>More important, can get info on road conditions ahead, potential accidents, traffic tieups, etc. with maybe enough warning to avoid them by taking an alternate route. Has helped in many circumstances over past 30 years.

ErikR

Absolutely agree on driving with awareness. But fats and inactivity kill most americans.

JRose

I used to use EVERYTHING. Escorts, Passports, VR1, etc. On some trips I forced my passenger to use binoculars!!!! Since the limit was raised to 75 out west I have given up the detectors. My A4 hums nicely at 79 mph. My Corvette gets amazing mileage at that speed as well. And at 79 I am rarely passed. On the mean streets, freeways, two lanes (urban and semi-rural) there are too many idiots out there who make driving a chore, not a pleasure. When on those roads I tend to stay within the limits, even if they seem slow. Face it, when a mom in a Caravan, talking on a cellphone and yelling at her kids screams by me on the freeway (at least 15 over) I just wanna concentrate on staying alive.<br>Give up the detectors, watch EVERYTHING and let them pass. Save the speed for the track or autocross. Just an ex-detector users opinion.<br>Joe