California Highway Patrol - now using Laser

[bonds44]

yea this new Lidar radar the CHP is using i see them all the time with in the southern part of Bay area its a pain they even gotten sneekier they have an all white car with tinted window and no push bar so it looks like a normal crown vic / any white car only marking are on doors with chp logo but its gotten so bad that i barely speed on free during day but i do speed more at nigh since they are not able to use lidar so accurate at night. but was that same car just sitting on ramp just radaring away. i guess in a way its good but just unfair that i cant pic them up on V1 as soon as there an up date u can bet ill be one of 1st sending mine in to get up dated. sorry for the rant.

 

[jharris2]

I agree with you on the fact that too many people push the limits too far. However, for many people with long commutes, or for people who drive a lot for vacations, speeding can save them tons of time. Not minutes, but hours in some cases.

Do the math -- the savings are not as much as you'd think ... to drive 60 miles at 60 mph is 60 minutes. To drive the same distance:

65 mph = 55.39 minutes (4.61 minutes saved, 4.61 seconds per mile)
75 mph = 48.00 minutes (12 minutes saved, 12 seconds per mile)
85 mph = 42.35 minutes (17.65 minutes saved, 17.65 seconds per mile)

But if the speed limit is 70 mph, going 85 mph only saves you 9.08 minutes per 60 miles (51.43 minutes versus 42.35 minutes).

Now, considering the extra cost of fuel burned at the higher speed, personally, I don't think it's worth it. Instead, just leave earlier and save yourself the stress.

You also should factor in the risk of injury to others should something go wrong. (The risk is just as high for those who go below the speed limit, IMHO, but that's not the point of this thread.)

Finally, I remember hearing about a traffic study a few years back that showed that chronic lane-changers do not arrive at their destination any sooner than people who stay in the same lane.

So the best advice seems to be what was taught to us in drivers' ed many years ago -- just go with the flow of traffic.

 

[BlairB]

Do the math -- the savings are not as much as you'd think ... to drive 60 miles at 60 mph is 60 minutes. To drive the same distance:

65 mph = 55.39 minutes (4.61 minutes saved, 4.61 seconds per mile)
75 mph = 48.00 minutes (12 minutes saved, 12 seconds per mile)
85 mph = 42.35 minutes (17.65 minutes saved, 17.65 seconds per mile)

But if the speed limit is 70 mph, going 85 mph only saves you 9.08 minutes per 60 miles (51.43 minutes versus 42.35 minutes).

Now, considering the extra cost of fuel burned at the higher speed, personally, I don't think it's worth it. Instead, just leave earlier and save yourself the stress.

You also should factor in the risk of injury to others should something go wrong. (The risk is just as high for those who go below the speed limit, IMHO, but that's not the point of this thread.)

Finally, I remember hearing about a traffic study a few years back that showed that chronic lane-changers do not arrive at their destination any sooner than people who stay in the same lane.

So the best advice seems to be what was taught to us in drivers' ed many years ago -- just go with the flow of traffic.

I totally agree, and all of this is true, but being an LA driver and all, it is hard to help it. If you were driving the speed limit (when traffic was not stop and go) you would get run off the road haha.

I am just thankful that my family is a member of the CHP 11-99 foundation....

 

[BlairB]

Do the math -- the savings are not as much as you'd think ... to drive 60 miles at 60 mph is 60 minutes. To drive the same distance:

65 mph = 55.39 minutes (4.61 minutes saved, 4.61 seconds per mile)
75 mph = 48.00 minutes (12 minutes saved, 12 seconds per mile)
85 mph = 42.35 minutes (17.65 minutes saved, 17.65 seconds per mile)

But if the speed limit is 70 mph, going 85 mph only saves you 9.08 minutes per 60 miles (51.43 minutes versus 42.35 minutes).

Now, considering the extra cost of fuel burned at the higher speed, personally, I don't think it's worth it. Instead, just leave earlier and save yourself the stress.

You also should factor in the risk of injury to others should something go wrong. (The risk is just as high for those who go below the speed limit, IMHO, but that's not the point of this thread.)

Finally, I remember hearing about a traffic study a few years back that showed that chronic lane-changers do not arrive at their destination any sooner than people who stay in the same lane.

So the best advice seems to be what was taught to us in drivers' ed many years ago -- just go with the flow of traffic.

I totally agree, and all of this is true, but it is hard to help it. If you were driving the speed limit in many situations you would get run off the road haha.

I am just thankful that my family is a member of the CHP 11-99 foundation....

 

[Ruffian]

IIRC, I think the news mentioned that CHP is using laser on 101 up north over by Napa upto Santa Rosa about a year to year and half ago. I guess it's more wide spread now.

Two weekends ago, there was a huge speed trap by Auburn on I80. Five cruisers sitting on the on ramp, plus two others less than a mile from the pack with victims pulled over on the shoulder.

For those of us in NorCal, be careful.

I got my last speeding ticket on hwy 49, Nevada County last month. That rental Camry's dash is different than the 4Runner, and I wasn't staring at it. I thought I was doing 55, but it was 65. 55 on the 4Runner is where 65 is on the Camry. Anyway, I've seen CHP doing this a lot lately on 49 in Grass Valley. I was blown away by the amount of CHiP's hanging around one morning. There had to of been 8 cars. Must all be new academy graduates!!!!

 

[jharris2]

I totally agree, and all of this is true, but it is hard to help it. If you were driving the speed limit in many situations you would get run off the road haha.

I am just thankful that my family is a member of the CHP 11-99 foundation....

Hence my comment, "go with the flow of traffic" so you don't stand out.

 

[BenSD]

Here in San Diego, I lock in the cruise control, or just keep an eye on the speed to keep it at the speed limit, then go into whatever lane that puts me in. Usually it's the #2 lane. It just takes one person to go the right speed limit, and other people will catch on. I bet most of the people who are speeding are just doing it because everyone else is, and they just want to go with the flow.

However, they are probably going that fast uncomfortably, and most would rather be at or within 5MPH of the speed limit. I just lock in in at 65 and guess what, people around me (in front and behind) all start to do the same. There is the occasional douchebag who wants to fly past at 85, but I laugh at those morons because they probably pay 3x what I pay for insurance.

 

[Jacobzky]

Time to upgrade your radar detectors.

 

[Uneek]

Detectors won't save you from laser if it's locked onto you. If it's locked onto a vehicle near you, then it can help. IMO, go with the flow, unless it's excessively over the limit. Otherwise, I say use the carpool lane.

 

[SDr6]

hmmm... I just got the speed limit. Problem solved. There's no looking over your shoulder all the time wondering if a cop is lurking in the shadows. I have zero tickets, and my insurance is cheap. Is it really worth it to get somewhere another minute or so faster?

Pretty soon, we'll probably see systems here in CA like what arizona has. They enforce the speed limit by having automated devices on the freeway that will check your speed, and send the ticket to you in the mail along with a wonderful photo of you --- just like the red light cameras. That system makes a huge impact on speeders, and I imagine it also saves lives.

I moved from San Diego to Phoenix about two years ago and I can say you zonies cannot drive, or maybe you just choose to drive 10 under with your blinker on all the time

now for the speed cameras here, all it does it collect money for the local government, Take a look at the recent reports that came out of the UK regarding the cameras... didn't make much of a difference if at all, can't remember the specifics right now, I'll look for it and post later if your interested.

Oh also, depending on the city, if you get a ticket from a camera they will not serve you if you live outside Maricopa County, you can tear up the ticket if you get it outside, since it's not really a ticket, only something with your offense, picture, and a paper you sign that says you waive your right to have the ticket personally served to you (something in the AZ constitution)..


hell of a first post huh

 

[b0rncha0s4x4]

Hijack mode on??

Do the math -- the savings are not as much as you'd think ... to drive 60 miles at 60 mph is 60 minutes. To drive the same distance:

65 mph = 55.39 minutes (4.61 minutes saved, 4.61 seconds per mile)
75 mph = 48.00 minutes (12 minutes saved, 12 seconds per mile)
85 mph = 42.35 minutes (17.65 minutes saved, 17.65 seconds per mile)

But if the speed limit is 70 mph, going 85 mph only saves you 9.08 minutes per 60 miles (51.43 minutes versus 42.35 minutes).

Its the accumulated time for long trips that makes a difference.. a significant difference that can add up to hours. Driving form San Diego to Mammoth Mountain going 80-85 mph vs 65 mph or 70 mph saves a good chunk of time.

Now, considering the extra cost of fuel burned at the higher speed, personally, I don't think it's worth it. Instead, just leave earlier and save yourself the stress.

You also should factor in the risk of injury to others should something go wrong. (The risk is just as high for those who go below the speed limit, IMHO, but that's not the point of this thread.)

Good points nonetheless.

Finally, I remember hearing about a traffic study a few years back that showed that chronic lane-changers do not arrive at their destination any sooner than people who stay in the same lane.

So the best advice seems to be what was taught to us in drivers' ed many years ago -- just go with the flow of traffic.

Thats what I do. I usually don't change lanes much. I travel from Ventura County to San Diego often and its not uncommon that the flow of traffic would exceed 85 mph late at night.. or Ive even been on busy (but not trafficy) highways with the flow of traffic moving at 80 mph through LA!

Then theres the discussion about The Autobahn..

Hijack mode off!

 

[Fo_SheeZy]

I've got the Valentine1 as well, but no radar detector can compete with the laser. Luckily no one around here uses laser.

 

[magnumfan]

Legality of jammers etc

From: http://www.radarbusters.com/legalissuesarticle.cfm



Page 4 - Legal issues

The use of a radar detector in a passenger vehicle is legal in all states with the exception of Virginia, Washington DC. and on military bases.

Radar detectors are illegal in all commercial vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds

In Canada, the only three provinces that allow their use are Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Many overseas countries also ban their use, such as Portugal, Finland and Spain.

In areas that radar detectors are illegal, law enforcement use a device called the Spectre that is able to detect the use of radar detector in your car or truck. For more information on the Spectre, click here.

Laser Jammers and Radar Jammers are illegal in the states of Nebraska, Minnesota, Utah, California, Oklahoma, Virginia, Colorado, Illinois and Washington DC.

If you decide to use a laser jammer in one of the states that they are outlawed, consider getting the Blinder M-20 or M-40 or the Lidakek LE-30. The Blinder and the Lidatek are the only laser jammers made today that give minimal "error codes" to the police laser guns.





Regards

j

 

[b0rncha0s4x4]

Thanks for all this great info! I've borrowed a friend's detector once or twice and have seen the Laser warning go off a few times but no one was around me that got pulled over. This is a cheapy detector though, nothing like the V1.

I wasn't aware that radar detector were illegal in CA.. most everyone I know runs them and when they still get tickets no repercussions ever occur other than smart ass remarks from the CHP officers..

 

[josh220]

Thanks for all this great info! I've borrowed a friend's detector once or twice and have seen the Laser warning go off a few times but no one was around me that got pulled over. This is a cheapy detector though, nothing like the V1.

I wasn't aware that radar detector were illegal in CA.. most everyone I know runs them and when they still get tickets no repercussions ever occur other than smart ass remarks from the CHP officers..

Detectors aren't illegal in CA. Radar jammers are, but jammers and detectors are 2 totally different things.

 

[b0rncha0s4x4]

Re: Legality of jammers etc

The use of a radar detector in a passenger vehicle is legal in all states with the exception of Virginia, Washington DC. and on military bases.

Thats what I thought at first too.. Ive known that jammers/scramblers are definately illegal.

The statement says detectors are also illegal..

 

[josh220]

Re: Re: Legality of jammers etc

Thats what I thought at first too.. Ive known that jammers/scramblers are definately illegal.

The statement says detectors are also illegal..

It states that they are LEGAL in passenger vehicles in ALL STATES except Virginia, Washington D.C., and on military bases......

 

[b0rncha0s4x4]

oh my lanta... :bash: haha i misread it.. like four times

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Just be wary of the false sense of security you might get from a detector. Police in some places, particulary in PA, use VASCAR or other devices which measure speed without transmitting any type of signal for a detector to receive.

IMHO, a good CB radio is your best defense, especially on the Interstates. If you can stand the chatter and potty-mouth language of Channel 19, you will know where almost every cop is hiding.


More information here:
http://www.vascar.com

 

[witchdoctor]

10-4 good buddy.