Quote:
Originally Posted by C_Topher
^^^ That is the truth, atr_hugo. ***Think of the RD as a tool to detect the police targeting someone ELSE.*** If you are the only one on the road and they tag you with IO (instant-on), you are toast. Laser detection takes this concept to an extreme.
My take on reasonable RD use:
1. Empty road, no traffic: I assume the LEO will be using IO on me; 5-10 over posted speed limits. Might as well turn radar detector off. RD is only useful if lazy LEO is using CO (constant-on).
2. Traffic spaced 1/2-1 mile apart: may increase pace when there is a "rabbit" (another vehicle) < 1 mile ahead to wake up any hidden LEOs within the RD range. Slow back down when there is no one ahead.
3. Traffic regularly spaced 1/2 mile or less: may pick up pace a bit more and be able to maintain with fewer slowdowns. Still high alertness, low threshold to slow down. Here still might wait for a "rabbit" to follow, as the LEOs will be looking to pick someone out of the crowd with IO. Let someone else uncover the IO!
4. Traffic with 1/4 mile density but safe driving condition (weather, surface, other driver behavior): may pick it up even further, still high alertness, low threshold to slow down. Again might wait for a "rabbit" to follow.
Your eyes are you best radar detector - focus well down the road, watch traffic patterns ahead (clustered slowdown), brake lights ahead, watch mirrors for marked or unmarked car approaching quickly from behind, look for unmarked car at speed limit in right lane (waiting for you to blow past).
You really have to know what car models are being used locally by your LEOs. These days it may be anything American made - coupe or sedan, FWD or RWD. Look for unmarked police car as plain colored, window tint, maybe a few small antennas (or not), maybe you can see emergency lights in the rear window or front grille. Look for plain wheels, blackwall tires that are slightly wider and have a more more square profile. Rear of car will be very plain, no dealer sticker or license plate bezel, no goofy bumper stickers or dents. One driver, no passengers. Learn to distinguish Ford Crown Vic (LEO) from Merc Grand Marquis (grandpa)!
If/when you do get pulled over, you should try to put the officer at ease and portray yourself as low risk as a source physical harm to the officer. Take down and turn off RD before he is behind you. Pull off safely from road, stay in your car, remain seatbelted (no extra ticket), lower window completely, turn engine off (not going to run off), turn on interior lights if nighttime, keep hands empty and visible (on steering wheel is perfect), speak calmly and explain yourself, if you have to reach into pocket or glove box tell officer before doing so.
Your first priority should be safety on the road. Speeding in poor driving conditions (rain/fog/snow), active construction zones, heavy traffic, or weaving among lanes and driving recklessly is poor form and is strictly amateur behavior.
Cheers and drive safely.
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in my city we have a toyota supra as a cop car you'll never expect it thank god i have a mutual friend who told me about it so i could be careful driving next to any supra lol