Any of you lot more knowledgable on being caught speeding with laser guns?

retired_rachelst · 11-12-2007, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cliff7197:
Mate of mine was a traffic cop for 20 years. I'm sure I remember him telling me that rain can (In theory) affect the reading of these devices as it can deflect the laser and that there should be a section on the form you were given marked "Weather", which lazy policemen often leave blank.

If it's blank, check the weather in that area on the day and if there's the remotest possibility that there was rain then you should challenge it on those grounds claiming you distictly remember that it was raining.

At least that's what I recall him saying, he's not been in the police for about 8 years now and god knows if a) things have changed, b) he was talking sh#t or c) I've remembered it all wrong.

Make of it what you will.

Oh yeah...weather could effect the speed, but rain would actually give a lower speed reading if anything.

Reason is, these devices will probably work using the Doppler effect, using the speed of light as a constant. Light will travel slower through rain, and so you will get a lower speed reading.

Maybe it would work in court just due to inaccuracies (don't know anything about this), but I'd be surprised if the devices didn't have something built in to account for the weather. Actually...they probably do quick calibrations if the weather changes.

retired_tanuja · 11-12-2007, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kris:
eh, yes I check the speedo evey 5 seconds, like I check my mirrors.

In a 30 zone, how can you not at least look at your speed once in 5 seconds?

I honestly think that's slightly unrealistic.

I can probably go for ages without checking my speed (as there's rarely the need to do so unless there's a speed camera anywhere nearby) not sure about anyone else?

I generally drive to suit the given situation, and no, that doesn't mean I drive 57 in 30 zones all the time...

If I'm plodding along at 40mph and don't drastically speed up or down, is there really the need to check?

Anyhoo - I never debated the fact that I was speeding, OR that I'm guilty. Just cheekily looking if there was ever the posibility to argue and get off like the famous "mr loophole" does for all the celebs...

retired_derek · 11-13-2007, 12:13 AM

You are aware that going at 40mph is speeding aren't you?

Do you realise the increased potential damage you can do to other people, whether they be pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists or other car users if you hit them at 40mph as opposed to 30mph?

retired_tanuja · 11-13-2007, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gregg Carter:
You are aware that going at 40mph is speeding aren't you?

Do you realise the increased potential damage you can do to other people, whether they be pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists or other car users if you hit them at 40mph as opposed to 30mph?

I didn't say 40mph in a 30mph zone - I just meant in general...

Love it how everyone gets on their high horses over speeding

retired_derek · 11-13-2007, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Willigogs:
<BLOCKQUOTE>Originally posted by Gregg Carter:
You are aware that going at 40mph is speeding aren't you?

Do you realise the increased potential damage you can do to other people, whether they be pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists or other car users if you hit them at 40mph as opposed to 30mph?

I didn't say 40mph in a 30mph zone - I just meant in general...

Love it how everyone gets on their high horses over speeding

</BLOCKQUOTE>

BECAUSE IT FRAKING KILLS PEOPLE YOU FRAKING IDIOT.

retired_bigsean999 · 11-13-2007, 12:23 AM

Well what do you expect them to do when you tell them you were nearly double the limit? Praise you and fete you with Garlands?

retired_derek · 11-13-2007, 12:24 AM

oh and saying "if i'm plodding along at 40mph, is there any need to check" shows that a) you're probably one of those people who think it's ok to go a little over the speed limit and b) how utterly ignorant you are.

it's very easy to go over the speed limit if you don't keep a check on how fast you're doing, all it takes is for a slight adjustment of pressure on the accelerator pedal without you realising and before you know it, you can be 10mph past what you were doing previously.

retired_rachelst · 11-13-2007, 12:26 AM

Everyone should walk. That'll keep you below the 15mph needed to kill someone.

roxanne · 11-13-2007, 12:27 AM

Suck it up, pay the fine and take the points. Just out of curiosity how long have you had the license?

retired_tanuja · 11-13-2007, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dappen:
Suck it up, pay the fine and take the points. Just out of curiosity how long have you had the license?

Been driving for 10 and a half years - so no, I'm not some stupid boy racer with a chavved up corsa.

I'm not saying speeding is right FFS, but there is a difference (not of guilt - but of sinsibility) between driving 57mph in a "community" area (housing, schools, parks, shopping streets, etc) during peak times, as opposed to a derelict industrial estate in the evening when everywhere is closed and is deserted.

Yes, it's still breaking the law, but jesus christ, you can't sit there and say everyone keeps to the limit at all times - just being realistic.

Like Kris says he checks his mirrors every 5 seconds - sometimes you just don't need to. That's not being "arrogant" or having a blatant disregard for safety - but if you're driving along at night for example on straight and open roads, then you would see in your peripheral vision whether a car was behind you or not by seeing the headlights, without needing to explicitly check every 5 seconds...

Any of you lot more knowledgable on being caught speeding with laser guns?

Grab a beer, sit back and relax.

Any of you lot more knowledgable on being caught speeding with laser guns?