Do I need a radar detector?

[LRutigliano]

We are getting ready to go to Disneyland and are driving down I-5 from Portland, OR all the way to LA.



I know the speed limits are pretty high (like 70 or 75mpg) in CA on I-5 and the "flow of traffic" probably moves faster than that.



Does anyone have any recommendations on having a radar detector? I'm travelling in a T&C Minivan with the family and really doubt I'll be going too much faster than the speed limit...



Is it just a waste of money? I haven't had a radar detector since I was like 20 yrs old and "invincible"...

 

[MMeier]

By the time the detector goes off, 9 out of 10 times they got you already! And IMO, a minivan should not be driven faster then 70 anyways, especially if you value whats inside.

 

[TboneMan]

Think of it this way...



I just mapquested the trip. The I-5 part of the trip is roughly 960 miles. IF, you were able to run a full speed the entire length here's the numbers:



960 miles / 75 mph = 12 hours 48 min.



960 mile / 80 mph = 12 hours 0 min.



Speeding at 80 mph only saves 48 minutes.



What are the costs: much less fuel economy, more frequent hard braking to avoid slower traffic or changing traffic conditions, and a higher probability of getting a ticket (think about those costs).



In reality, it is not likely you'll have clear roads to maintain a constant 80, so your time savings are even less than 48 minutes.



Keep your speed reasonable and with the flow of traffic. Enjoy some scenery.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Due to the value of your cargo, the speed limit would be your best bet. But, on the other hand, driving the speed limit on the 5, you will just be in everyone's way. In the desolate areas, the right lane runs 75 to 85 mph! Take the 99 down through the Central valley, alot less hectic, should be about the same mileage. Also, not nearly as desolate if you have any car trouble.



Sam

 

[p-Bar]

A lot of CHP on the 99 stay in the slow lane . Have fun at Disneyland

 

[mberry]

Stay on the I-5. It's not as desolate as it once was. We went to DL this past April for my daughter's birthday. We ran 75 the whole way without any problems at all.

I will give this little bit of advice; Pay close attention to the weather, especially the wind forecast. We ran into a dust storm/cloud a few miles north of the grapevine. It was almost a complete brown-out. Luckily it was only about 100 yards long then it cleared up again. It gets gusty and dusty down there so please be careful.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Uh, you never need a radar detector if you aren't violating the posted limits, pretty simple concept, at least I think so.



SHG



Edit, I just read TboneMan's response, excellent. I drive the limits and usually under, even on x-county trips and just keep after it. It is unbelievably how many times folks driving 10-20MPH over the limit pass you in a day. I would wager most of the time at the end of the day I am further down the road than them, while relaxing, enjoying the scenery AND burning about 25% less fuel in my Ram. It doesn't make any sense, but for some reason everyone seems they need to drive over the limit to be making progress.

 

[kenny61]

I may just be getting old but I found on long road trips like that I can not speed if I want too. It's just concentrating too hard for too long. I find myself slowiing down to 65 ,70 reagrdless of the limit after about 2 or 3 hours

 

[Pawpaw]

I've used radar detectors for years, even though I very seldom go more than 5 over (don't do that very often any more, either). I guess driving in Germany for 6 years got the "need for speed" out of my system.



Having said that, I use my detector because I want to know when I'm being checked. Having it has saved me 2 tickets.



The first time was a small-town cop who simply lied his a** off. I pointed out that I had a radar detector and two witnesses, so I would gladly meet him in court. He didn't write the ticket.



The second time, I wasn't paying attention and found myself doing 40 in a 25 when the detector went off. I was pulled over in a safe place before the cop even got turned around. I told the truth and he let me go with a written warning. This also happened in a small town.



Cops are like anyone else... some are honest and others are not.



I am like anyone else... I make mistakes far more often than I like to admit.



Either way, I find it beneficial to know when I'm being clocked. If nothing else, it reminds me to check my speed.



Bob

 

[fox]

Get a detector.

I use it to keep me awake. I like gadgets.

My detector is a BEL 645 ? it is a stealth model. It won't send a signal back to the cop that says "is vehicle has a detector-thus is a speeder".