Safest way to avoid speeding convictions is to stay within the limits, but are aids to this sometimes counter-productive ?
I used to just stay within the limits (following past problems:( but a few years ago used a Radar Detector briefly. Quite a revelation to know that only one of the cities speed cameras operated at any given time.
But that solution, created another problem. Before, I was contented to follow the limits, but with the Radar Detector, I started to speed up.....
After a while I realised I was safer without it and it went into the back of a drawer somewhere.
However, I have just bought an easier to use Sat Nav (Garmin Nuvi 250) to replace an older more complex Pocket PC type.
But it has an unwanted (presumably UK only) POI Camera database........
I am considering this though. While I can understand its application for anyone who tends to be over the limit, what is opinion on using the camera alert option amongst those who generally stick to the limits?
Do you find it tends to encourage higher speeds and increase vulnerability to Vascar and other detection? Or is it just useful on unfamiliar ground? I also noticed that there are third party POI camera databases for France, surely illegal? Or is that for `active` Radar Detectors?
Regards
NB, Sat Nav mainly bought for use in Europe in finding Hotels in unfamiliar cities.
Edited by oilrag on 02/01/2008 at 13:13
|
My wife uses the sat nav and swears by it,I on the other hand dislike it.I have however noticed that drivers who use it (its obvious its in the middle of the windscreen) tend to speed along then for no apparent reason brake violently,causing a mass panic behind from other drivers,then as if by majic a speed camera appears on the horizon.As soon as the emergency is over the offending driver is off like a bat out of hell till the next violent braking episode.
|
Having recently moved from a city to a village I do what all the locals do. Cover the number plates with mud.
No actual police cars on the road anymore not even to support tax trucks, sorry safety partnership camera vehicles.
Problem solved.
|
Saw a car with black numberplate pulled by an X5 close to the airport on the M56 this morning, so chancing a dirty plate is still a lottery.
I thought the poi camera alert option was to warn you as you approach an accident blackspot.
|
I use a little device called a Talex, it sits on the car dashboard and warns you of Revenue cameras and possible sites for mobile revenue cameras.
I don't drive at unsafe speeds, and I find it more relaxing to be able to concentrate on the road and what other road users are up to, without having to constantly gawp at the speedo. The device has a digital display showing your speed and the prevailing limits. I would say that its a benefit to me, and makes my journeys safer.
|
|
|
|
But it has an unwanted (presumably UK only) POI Camera database........
Not just the UK I'm afraid... I used mine in France at the end of last year, and it was frequently warrning of possible camera locations...usually incorrectly as far as I could see ;-)
Peter
|
|
Are they legal in France Peter? Or alternatively is it possible to take the Camera POI`s off?
Edited by oilrag on 02/01/2008 at 20:35
|
I put my satnav in the bottom right corner of the windscreen, where I can see it and it causes minimal obstruction to my view. Re dirty numberplates, I'd guess that you have to be unlucky to get £60 and 3 points for an obscured plate.
|
|
I have recently invested in the Talex device and am impressed. Whilst not wanting to knowingly exceed the speed limit, I very much doubt that anyone always knows what the limit is on unfamiliar roads. It is easy to miss a limit sign that is half hidden by trees, say, and repeater signs are not used as much as they should be. Hence the constant braking for cameras even when cars are below the limit - just to make sure when they are uncertain of the limit. And a system like this has the great advantage that you can see the real speed you are going, not just what the speedo says (usually around 7% on the high side).
|
I cannot afford the hike in insurance premiums or take the risk of again (when riding motorbikes it was dead easy) totting up enough points to loose my licence once more.
So I don't speed - ever.
Result, clean licence for nearly 7 years and an insurance premium of just under £130 fully comp.
|
|
|
|
My understanding is that the database type systems are fine, but that radar detectors are illegal in France...I'm no expert though!
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
