NO, but I have one. Some states use a radar channel to alert motorist & official vehicles of a safety situation or accident ahead. I found that out while traveling I4 in Florida.
Are radar detectors worth it?
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Yes, after driving with my wife's Passport 8500, I do enjoy the relative quietness of Escorts. However, the Passport Redline is supposed to be a different animal. It uses the same dual antenna setup that the Bel STi uses and like the Bel and the V1, will have a magnesium case. It's not going to have the level of filtering that other Passports have had. Rather, it's supposed to be more "active" like the V1. I don't know if they tuned it beyond to be more sensitive than the STi or not, but that's the implication. It will also be undetectable, like the STi.
A lot of it comes down to personal integrity. When I received my license I agreed to abide by the rules of the road, not to follow the rules that I agreed with and disregard the ones I that I didn't agree with.
There are rare circumstances that I have to exceed the speed limit for safety's sake, such as passing farm equipment. I also make the occasional mistake and realize I'm going 60 in a 55. Beyond that I live up to that which I agreed.
There are rare circumstances that I have to exceed the speed limit for safety's sake, such as passing farm equipment. I also make the occasional mistake and realize I'm going 60 in a 55. Beyond that I live up to that which I agreed.
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
A lot of it comes down to personal integrity. When I received my license I agreed to abide by the rules of the road, not to follow the rules that I agreed with and disregard the ones I that I didn't agree with.
There are rare circumstances that I have to exceed the speed limit for safety's sake, such as passing farm equipment. I also make the occasional mistake and realize I'm going 60 in a 55. Beyond that I live up to that which I agreed.
Hmmm...
Who was it who said "Just remember, if someone has to tell you how honest they are, then they probably aren't."?
Give up? Here's a hint.
A lot of it comes down to personal integrity. When I received my license I agreed to abide by the rules of the road, not to follow the rules that I agreed with and disregard the ones I that I didn't agree with.
There are rare circumstances that I have to exceed the speed limit for safety's sake, such as passing farm equipment. I also make the occasional mistake and realize I'm going 60 in a 55. Beyond that I live up to that which I agreed.
Hmmm...
Who was it who said "Just remember, if someone has to tell you how honest they are, then they probably aren't."?
Give up? Here's a hint.
Originally Posted By: MCompact
Originally Posted By: Bryanccfshr
Just stay off my backside when I am passing slower traffic. I will not break the posted limit.
Wow, another candidate for canonization. I AM impressed. Which begs the question, why would you ever want to pass slower traffic? Wouldn't you be safer traveling even slower? Think of all the fuel you'll save!
Someone pulling a trailer up a long hill may be going slower. I set cruise control on the speed limit and relax.
Originally Posted By: Bryanccfshr
Just stay off my backside when I am passing slower traffic. I will not break the posted limit.
Wow, another candidate for canonization. I AM impressed. Which begs the question, why would you ever want to pass slower traffic? Wouldn't you be safer traveling even slower? Think of all the fuel you'll save!
Someone pulling a trailer up a long hill may be going slower. I set cruise control on the speed limit and relax.
I am a safety professional in a relatively small community. I have made public commitment to follow the law.
Is it ok to cheat on taxes? Is it ok to drink and drive? Is it ok to steal as long as you don't get caught?
Do you lie to your insurance company about owning a radar detector?
It is tough commitment to not speed and like a poster above I do have to watch it going down hills where I occasionally drift over before realizing it and slow down. My GPS usually keeps me inline. I have made this commitment publicly to my coworkers and contractors who service my employer; this is to improve my safety while I am doing the most dangerous thing I do every day.
Is it ok to cheat on taxes? Is it ok to drink and drive? Is it ok to steal as long as you don't get caught?
Do you lie to your insurance company about owning a radar detector?
It is tough commitment to not speed and like a poster above I do have to watch it going down hills where I occasionally drift over before realizing it and slow down. My GPS usually keeps me inline. I have made this commitment publicly to my coworkers and contractors who service my employer; this is to improve my safety while I am doing the most dangerous thing I do every day.
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I don't have one, but on most roads, I drive at or about 5 over, and, and on most highways (Except through PA, they are anal retentive about speeding) I set the cruise at about 73-74.
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Originally Posted By: BrianWC
Yes, after driving with my wife's Passport 8500, I do enjoy the relative quietness of Escorts. However, the Passport Redline is supposed to be a different animal. It uses the same dual antenna setup that the Bel STi uses and like the Bel and the V1, will have a magnesium case. It's not going to have the level of filtering that other Passports have had. Rather, it's supposed to be more "active" like the V1. I don't know if they tuned it beyond to be more sensitive than the STi or not, but that's the implication. It will also be undetectable, like the STi.
Redline looks promising, but tests will have to be done with instant on tests, usually that is a weak area of Beltronics.
Yes, after driving with my wife's Passport 8500, I do enjoy the relative quietness of Escorts. However, the Passport Redline is supposed to be a different animal. It uses the same dual antenna setup that the Bel STi uses and like the Bel and the V1, will have a magnesium case. It's not going to have the level of filtering that other Passports have had. Rather, it's supposed to be more "active" like the V1. I don't know if they tuned it beyond to be more sensitive than the STi or not, but that's the implication. It will also be undetectable, like the STi.
Redline looks promising, but tests will have to be done with instant on tests, usually that is a weak area of Beltronics.
A certain proportion of "rule breakers" keeps traffic flow smooth. You have to have SOME people willing to hammer the accelerator for merges to work and bottlenecks to be relieved.
Reckless driving is a totally separate matter. The problem is not speed, but the indifference to human life. Let's be mindful of that distinction.
Ultimately, our speed limits were set for the sake of people who know and care nothing about cars: their indifference, their poor driver training, and their preference for wheeled couches over finely engineered cars. Fair enough, IMO; distances are large enough in this country that we HAVE to allow such people on the road -- or else they wouldn't be able to live their lives. But I feel very strongly that the optimal balance between safety and speed should not be weighted so heavily in favor of the people who are in no hurry to get where they're going, and who will pay to have more cupholders but not a low center of gravity.
Reckless driving is a totally separate matter. The problem is not speed, but the indifference to human life. Let's be mindful of that distinction.
Ultimately, our speed limits were set for the sake of people who know and care nothing about cars: their indifference, their poor driver training, and their preference for wheeled couches over finely engineered cars. Fair enough, IMO; distances are large enough in this country that we HAVE to allow such people on the road -- or else they wouldn't be able to live their lives. But I feel very strongly that the optimal balance between safety and speed should not be weighted so heavily in favor of the people who are in no hurry to get where they're going, and who will pay to have more cupholders but not a low center of gravity.
Originally Posted By: TheTanSedan
What is the time saved by 10 or 15 over? What is the penalty in increased vehicle/component wear? What is the increase in stopping distance? What is the percentage reduction in peripheral vision?
So far as I can tell "the time saved" is too small to quantify daily, weekly, monthly or yearly versus true out-of-pocket costs and risk increase. Speeding is selfishness, nothing more.
We're running two wars over oil that'll yank one trillion dollars or better from us, and we're on our way to 5,000 combat deaths.
Run 68 mph, let the idiots go around you, and buy something useful if you have to, a radar detector ain't it. You'll lose no time, have more room to react, and your vehicle will last longer.
TS, respectfully, that's just not right. You sound like my mother -- who has never done the math. Let's consider a typical ~200 mile trip. I have to make the trip frequently, either west from Pensacola (to NOLA), or east (to Tallahassee). If you make the trip at your recommended speed of 68 mph constant (yes, I know about reality -- let's just compare for now), the trip will take you 2.95 hours. If you make the trip at my typical 80 mph, that trip will take only 2.5 hours -- a savings of almost 30 minutes! And the longer the trip, the greater the delta. I have to do one of these drives almost every week. I'd lose A LOT doing under 70 every time. And my radar detector(s) have more than paid for themselves with their confirmed and possible "saves."
There's a reason why we're not still flying around in prop driven airliners. . .
What is the time saved by 10 or 15 over? What is the penalty in increased vehicle/component wear? What is the increase in stopping distance? What is the percentage reduction in peripheral vision?
So far as I can tell "the time saved" is too small to quantify daily, weekly, monthly or yearly versus true out-of-pocket costs and risk increase. Speeding is selfishness, nothing more.
We're running two wars over oil that'll yank one trillion dollars or better from us, and we're on our way to 5,000 combat deaths.
Run 68 mph, let the idiots go around you, and buy something useful if you have to, a radar detector ain't it. You'll lose no time, have more room to react, and your vehicle will last longer.
TS, respectfully, that's just not right. You sound like my mother -- who has never done the math. Let's consider a typical ~200 mile trip. I have to make the trip frequently, either west from Pensacola (to NOLA), or east (to Tallahassee). If you make the trip at your recommended speed of 68 mph constant (yes, I know about reality -- let's just compare for now), the trip will take you 2.95 hours. If you make the trip at my typical 80 mph, that trip will take only 2.5 hours -- a savings of almost 30 minutes! And the longer the trip, the greater the delta. I have to do one of these drives almost every week. I'd lose A LOT doing under 70 every time. And my radar detector(s) have more than paid for themselves with their confirmed and possible "saves."
There's a reason why we're not still flying around in prop driven airliners. . .
Originally Posted By: d00df00d
. . .
Reckless driving is a totally separate matter. The problem is not speed, but the indifference to human life. Let's be mindful of that distinction.
. . .
Well put.
. . .
Reckless driving is a totally separate matter. The problem is not speed, but the indifference to human life. Let's be mindful of that distinction.
. . .
Well put.
I use a Escort 8500 on my motorcycles, and it has "saved" me on a number of occasions.
Being a good driver means driving for road, weather and traffic conditions. If you are driving the speed limit on a open interstate and every single car and truck is passing you, you are creating a more unsafe condition than driving with the flow.
Many times, speed limits are designed around the lowest driver denominator, not the reality.
Riding higher-performance motorcycles gives a different perspective for me, and having the same speed limit for 80,000lb trucks, clapped-out pick-ups, performance sedans and motorcycles just flies against reality.
I ride "reasonable and prudent" according to conditions, and yes most likely I will be passing you. It allows me to control the situation more than passive-riding and is safer for me. 25+years of riding has taught me a few things.
Be aware of the situation, concentrate on driving, be courteous, and drive in reality. (and don't be a pious jerk that greatly impeads the normal and reasonable flow of traffic or a hyper-aggressive one that is cutting in and out which also impeads the flow)
And yes folks, speed enforcement is usually about revenue generation first, and safety a distant second.
Being a good driver means driving for road, weather and traffic conditions. If you are driving the speed limit on a open interstate and every single car and truck is passing you, you are creating a more unsafe condition than driving with the flow.
Many times, speed limits are designed around the lowest driver denominator, not the reality.
Riding higher-performance motorcycles gives a different perspective for me, and having the same speed limit for 80,000lb trucks, clapped-out pick-ups, performance sedans and motorcycles just flies against reality.
I ride "reasonable and prudent" according to conditions, and yes most likely I will be passing you. It allows me to control the situation more than passive-riding and is safer for me. 25+years of riding has taught me a few things.
Be aware of the situation, concentrate on driving, be courteous, and drive in reality. (and don't be a pious jerk that greatly impeads the normal and reasonable flow of traffic or a hyper-aggressive one that is cutting in and out which also impeads the flow)
And yes folks, speed enforcement is usually about revenue generation first, and safety a distant second.
It is typical for everyone to conseder themselves a good driver. Ask anyone.
The reality is that if you want to save time, plan your trip , depart early and plan to miss rush hours. I don't think speeding is a harmless thing to do. You are not only putting yourself at risk despite how well you consider your skills.
This does not mean I don't get thrills from driving. I get mine at 3-4 MPH in my jeep. The highway is not a timemachine.
The reality is that if you want to save time, plan your trip , depart early and plan to miss rush hours. I don't think speeding is a harmless thing to do. You are not only putting yourself at risk despite how well you consider your skills.
This does not mean I don't get thrills from driving. I get mine at 3-4 MPH in my jeep. The highway is not a timemachine.
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Originally Posted By: Drew2000
I ride "reasonable and prudent" according to conditions, and yes most likely I will be passing you. It allows me to control the situation more than passive-riding and is safer for me. 25+years of riding has taught me a few things.
Be aware of the situation, concentrate on driving, be courteous, and drive in reality. (and don't be a pious jerk that greatly impeads the normal and reasonable flow of traffic or a hyper-aggressive one that is cutting in and out which also impeads the flow)
+1
I ride "reasonable and prudent" according to conditions, and yes most likely I will be passing you. It allows me to control the situation more than passive-riding and is safer for me. 25+years of riding has taught me a few things.
Be aware of the situation, concentrate on driving, be courteous, and drive in reality. (and don't be a pious jerk that greatly impeads the normal and reasonable flow of traffic or a hyper-aggressive one that is cutting in and out which also impeads the flow)
+1
Originally Posted By: Bryanccfshr
It is typical for everyone to conseder[sic] themselves a good driver. Ask anyone.
The reality is that if you want to save time, plan your trip , depart early and plan to miss rush hours. I don't think speeding is a harmless thing to do. You are not only putting yourself at risk despite how well you consider[sic] your skills.
This does not mean I don't get thrills from driving. I get mine at 3-4 MPH in my jeep. The highway is not a timemachine.
1. I have instructed at HPDEs since 1997- so yes, I consider myself to be a good driver.
2. There is a huge difference between merely exceeding the speed limit and driving too fast for the road/traffic conditions; in some cases, driving 10 mph under the speed limit is too fast for conditions.
3. The interstate highway system was designed for 70-80 mph speeds at a time when most vehicles had cart-sprung live axles and drum brakes at all four wheels. Driving @80 mph(as I do) on a rural interstate is neither unsafe nor reckless(my 1999 Wrangler excluded).
It is typical for everyone to conseder[sic] themselves a good driver. Ask anyone.
The reality is that if you want to save time, plan your trip , depart early and plan to miss rush hours. I don't think speeding is a harmless thing to do. You are not only putting yourself at risk despite how well you consider[sic] your skills.
This does not mean I don't get thrills from driving. I get mine at 3-4 MPH in my jeep. The highway is not a timemachine.
1. I have instructed at HPDEs since 1997- so yes, I consider myself to be a good driver.
2. There is a huge difference between merely exceeding the speed limit and driving too fast for the road/traffic conditions; in some cases, driving 10 mph under the speed limit is too fast for conditions.
3. The interstate highway system was designed for 70-80 mph speeds at a time when most vehicles had cart-sprung live axles and drum brakes at all four wheels. Driving @80 mph(as I do) on a rural interstate is neither unsafe nor reckless(my 1999 Wrangler excluded).
Quote:
What is the time saved by 10 or 15 over? What is the penalty in increased vehicle/component wear? What is the increase in stopping distance? What is the percentage reduction in peripheral vision?
So far as I can tell "the time saved" is too small to quantify daily, weekly, monthly or yearly versus true out-of-pocket costs and risk increase. Speeding is selfishness, nothing more.
We're running two wars over oil that'll yank one trillion dollars or better from us, and we're on our way to 5,000 combat deaths.
Run 68 mph, let the idiots go around you, and buy something useful if you have to, a radar detector ain't it. You'll lose no time, have more room to react, and your vehicle will last longer.
We often do 7+ hour drives. At 65MPH, a 500 mile drive, assuming no stops, would take 7.7 Hours. At 74 Mph, it takes 6.7 Hours. You've saved an entire hour, by driving 9 over the speed limit. The longer the drive, the more time saved.
What is the time saved by 10 or 15 over? What is the penalty in increased vehicle/component wear? What is the increase in stopping distance? What is the percentage reduction in peripheral vision?
So far as I can tell "the time saved" is too small to quantify daily, weekly, monthly or yearly versus true out-of-pocket costs and risk increase. Speeding is selfishness, nothing more.
We're running two wars over oil that'll yank one trillion dollars or better from us, and we're on our way to 5,000 combat deaths.
Run 68 mph, let the idiots go around you, and buy something useful if you have to, a radar detector ain't it. You'll lose no time, have more room to react, and your vehicle will last longer.
We often do 7+ hour drives. At 65MPH, a 500 mile drive, assuming no stops, would take 7.7 Hours. At 74 Mph, it takes 6.7 Hours. You've saved an entire hour, by driving 9 over the speed limit. The longer the drive, the more time saved.
I just realized I can't think of anyone who claims to be a good driver but isn't. I'm sure I've met someone like that, but I can't recall. All the bad/mediocre drivers I can think of are aware of and honest about it.
On the other hand, I've met PLENTY of people willing to criticize OTHERS for being bad drivers. Does that count?
On the other hand, I've met PLENTY of people willing to criticize OTHERS for being bad drivers. Does that count?
There are two things to consider. Safety and respect for the law. Values that I have tell me that I will do nothing to hurt myself or others, I will abide by Laws, rules regulations and procedures.
To be consistant I cannot break a law, Even if I agree that the speed limits may be low, that is the limit. That is the law. I cannot break any law I want to just becasue it may be socially acceptable at the time.
I don't agree with the tax code. Should I not pay my taxes, or all of them? I can probably cheat and get away with it!
I don't agree with DOT regualtions on hydraulic Steering. New Mexico has no state vehicle safety inspection. I could run RAM steering on my street driven jeep and get away with it. But I know that that is wrong and even though I have seen them on the street I have to rely on my sense of integrity to guide that decision and it is sometimes difficult to make the right choice.
Insurance companies raise the liability rates on people with a history of speeding tickets and accidents. This is done based on statistical analysis. Speeding habits increase the financial liability of the insurer. This is why those with good underwriters usually ask the Radar detector ownership question.
If you don't likle the law, do something to change it, but don't be lawless.
To be consistant I cannot break a law, Even if I agree that the speed limits may be low, that is the limit. That is the law. I cannot break any law I want to just becasue it may be socially acceptable at the time.
I don't agree with the tax code. Should I not pay my taxes, or all of them? I can probably cheat and get away with it!
I don't agree with DOT regualtions on hydraulic Steering. New Mexico has no state vehicle safety inspection. I could run RAM steering on my street driven jeep and get away with it. But I know that that is wrong and even though I have seen them on the street I have to rely on my sense of integrity to guide that decision and it is sometimes difficult to make the right choice.
Insurance companies raise the liability rates on people with a history of speeding tickets and accidents. This is done based on statistical analysis. Speeding habits increase the financial liability of the insurer. This is why those with good underwriters usually ask the Radar detector ownership question.
If you don't likle the law, do something to change it, but don't be lawless.
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