2 questions

[woaface]

One:
I was extremely bored after shopping today and I had an extra 2 hours to waste. I jumpped in Interstate 85 South bound and decided to just drive for a while. I'm moving around 80-90mph and a guy in a Tahoe who I hadn't seen behind me before pops up on my left in front of me moving fairly quickly. He's got a detector (either a bell or an escort). After tailing him from a distance for a mile or so, I gathered he knew what he was doing when it came to avoiding tickets. Was it a good idea to follow him from behind doing around the same speed assuming that if a cop did pop out, I would know about it in advance, or he would be nailed first? There weren't any popo's behind me, and I slowed down at all over-passes and on ramps. Mr. Tahoe kept me company since I'm still waiting on a detector. I thought it was a nice idea. Any thoughts? I'm sure some of you do this quite often.

Two (as in there are two questions here:D):
When I turned around and came North bound, I had a clear opening (2 lanes with no traffic for at least 1/2-3/4 of a mile and 2 lanes with the average pace of traffic at 70mhp.) With a very clear view and no cops in sight, I gunned it. I hit about 107 before I couldn't stand this vibration going down the right side doors. It was quiet, but steady and somewhat obvious. Is this the so called driveshaft wobble? My mom hasn't let me take the car up for the 30,000 mile check up because it's "not important" and I have "better things to do" (this is new to me). Could that contribute any?

Thanks!

[SHERIFF]

You do know a radar detector is next to useless now? There's an instant on/off switch in all modern radar units. We don't turn the power on and hit your car until you're already within our beam area. :)

[woaface]

Yes I know about that...but I don't think it'd be me getting stopped. South Carolina also has a very low police force per capita.

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by SHERIFF
You do know a radar detector is next to useless now? There's an instant on/off switch in all modern radar units. We don't turn the power on and hit your car until you're already within our beam area. :)

and a wise attorney will beat those everytime, as the unit is not accurate unless "warmed up" from operating. There is no such thing as being "instant on" and an instant accurate reading.

[B-26]

Valentine makes a good one for $400.00 and worth every penny. Not the tickets but the insurance!!

[woaface]

Don't pay $400 for a Valentine! Pay $355 for a REFURBISHED unit from them...and then spend the rest on shipping and their new carrying cases for it! Just call and ask if they have a refurbished unit! That's what I'm doin...

[martyo]

Originally posted by RCSignals
and a wise attorney

I love those words!

:cool:

[SergntMac]

Marty, he meant wise-azz attorney...

Answer 1) In theory, woaface, your secnario has some logic to it. If you run into a radar field, the Tahoe should get tagged first, and if you're far enough behind him, you should be okay. However, you are depending on his proper use of a detector too.

Radar detectors are not passive utilities, you have to use them aggressively, to search out the radar signal from the flotsam and jetsam of the radio frequency spectrum. OTR, every major interchange should set off a radar detector. There are hundreds of IR devices in use by fast food and motel chains, but it shouldn't take long for you to learn the difference between a false trigger and a real police radar field. Moreover, it's logical for police to concentrate around these major interchanges. Their signal benefits from this camoflage, and they are more efficient with their time when they work closer to off road services, i.e. cash stations.

Slowing down at any interchange is wise if you don't have your own detector, and if this Tahoe didn't slow down at all, anywhere, he probably has the unit shut off, or, doesn't know how to use it properly. I wouldn't follow him, but would pace him by keeping him barely in sight.

Here in Illinois, the ISP "shoots from behind." When you pass a Trooper on the shoulder, he's watching you pass him. They set themselves up to appear to be watching on-coming traffic, but just when you think they are looking the other way, guess what? I'ts also my observation that highway police work in pairs, so, you may get a clean pass from one, only to be stopped by another a mile or so down the road. You also have to stay aware of covert vehicles tailing you, this is when "instant on" works the best. I don't recommend to anyone that they speed on the highway, but if you are determined to do so, it's an active game of strategy. There are no real "bullet proof" protections

Answer 2) Unless you have MM like mods on your GM, I doubt the drive shaft is an issue for you. The vibration you feel at 107 MPH could just be ***** roads, no matter how new they look. If I were you, I'd start by checking the tire balance and PSI, then the alignment, after that, front suspension/shocks. Drive line vibration will be apparent in blurry mirrors before you feel it in the seat of your pants. Keep in mind too, that it takes a lot of HP to attain higher speeds, your GM may not have the HP to weight ratio to surpass 110 MPH.

[martyo]

Originally posted by SergntMac
Marty, he meant wise-azz attorney...

Gee Mac, I guess you are right, because I was going to say that his approach of following the Tahoe was like borrowing someone else's condom. :eek:

Thankfully you answered him first.

[Marauderjack]

SC cops have Explorers, Tahoes, Intrepids, Older Buicks!!!:D

What's the sense in running 100+ anyway??:confused:

When I see some nut running that fast I get the HELL out of his way and ususally see him stopped further down the road!!:)

Studies have been done and the crash survival rate in todays cars going faster than 80 MPH is virtually ZERO!!!:(

Please save your "testosterone" for the track "woaface"!!:rolleyes:

Marauderjack:D

[woaface]

Thanks SergntMac!

Answer 1) That I follow...we were on all interstate. I was following at a distance (no closer than 600 feet). I was slacking off of him at over-passes and on ramps, and anywhere else that it was more than a little easy for a cop to hide. That is a lot of good information, and most of it has been very helpful to me since I've been driving. It's been printed in the local papers that the SC Highway Patrol works in groups too...4 or more a good number of the time.

Answer 2) I have no mods on my Marquis and my tires are another story. They all have 25% or more tred on them except for the rear-right...which has 15% at most...it would be the only tire that lays rubber most of the time, and I've done a bit of that. I don't think I'll be speeding until I get some better tires on there. As for attaining higher speeds...I was finally able to top it out on a toll road today. I counted no more than 8 cars in the 5 miles I traveled. It will go no higher than 108.

[woaface]

Originally posted by Marauderjack
SC cops have Explorers, Tahoes, Intrepids, Older Buicks!!!:D

What's the sense in running 100+ anyway??:confused:

When I see some nut running that fast I get the HELL out of his way and ususally see him stopped further down the road!!:)

Studies have been done and the crash survival rate in todays cars going faster than 80 MPH is virtually ZERO!!!:(

Please save your "testosterone" for the track "woaface"!!:rolleyes:

Marauderjack:D

People do get out of my way. I understand it's completely dumb. I will more than take note of this comment. Now that I start thinking about it, I just don't think my car can handle this for more than a couple miles, or at least I don't trust it to. I was doing 90-95 most of the way. I haven't seen any Tahoes, Intrepids or older Buicks. Just one Exploder...is that maybe just a low-state thing?

[SHERIFF]

Originally posted by RCSignals
and a wise attorney will beat those everytime, as the unit is not accurate unless "warmed up" from operating. There is no such thing as being "instant on" and an instant accurate reading.


I'm sorry, wasn't being clear again.... the unit is on at all times..... it doesn't send the beam out until you hit the magic button. :)

I hate seeing people rely on radar detectors.

[SHERIFF]

Originally posted by SergntMac
There are no real "bullet proof" protections




So true. But if like on other auto forums, you will never convince most people of this. :)

[stumpy]

Originally posted by woaface
Was it a good idea to follow him from behind doing around the same speed assuming that if a cop did pop out, I would know about it in advance, or he would be nailed first? Thanks!
Seems to me like you were simply following rule no. 1, follow the rabbit. You probably watched Smokey and the Bandit 20 times didn't you! Mwahahahaha

[FordNut]

Speaking of odd-ball police cars, here in Knoxville my wife got pulled by a late 80's blue Tempo. They're using all sorts of tricks to enforce speed limits in the never-ending construction. Shame was that most cars were passing her, but she was speeding anyway. She asked why he pulled her instead of all the rest of the cars that were passing her and he told her it was because she kept speeding up and slowing down. At the instant he decided to pull somebody over, she sped up again so she got picked.

[MapleLeafMerc]

I like to be the third or fourth fastest car on freeways. The ones ahead are my "minesweepers" ;)

[woaface]

Minesweerpers...I love it!

[SHERIFF]

The minesweeper theory is OK...... as long as you aren't the second car. Maple has the right idea, be the third or fourth car. The person who relies on the "2nd car" not getting stopped, they get surprised real often. It's hard to stop 3 or 4 cars at the same time, but 2 is a piece of cake. :)

[Paul T. Casey]

Good advice until Jan. 5, 2004, DO THE LIMIT!! A bunch o' Federal Dollars got dumped to keep the roads safe for the holidays and they're out there. Not just that illegal search and seizure DUI checkpoints either. In my town they're cruising the streets in unmarked cars, which I happen to think is a lot better idea than the DUI checkpoints. BTW, I'm not a drinker, just an American. I also have another theory on the added police staffing that has to do with the heightened terror alert status, but that's another story.

[SHERIFF]

Originally posted by Paul T. Casey
A bunch o' Federal Dollars got dumped to keep the roads safe for the holidays and they're out there.

TRANSLATION: A bunch of cops get to come out off-duty and make a few easy bucks riding around for 8 hours. :)

Locally, they could catch more drunks if they just sit at home and wait for the drunks to ram the side of their house.

(relax, this is a local observation, not a reflection on 100% of law enforcement)




Originally posted by Paul T. Casey
Not just that illegal search and seizure DUI checkpoints either.


Your appellate courts at their finest again..... they say public safety outweighs the inconvenience of a few motorists.... so cops can legally stop you anywhere anytime during a roadbllock. I do not agree with this opinion.



Originally posted by Paul T. Casey
In my town they're cruising the streets in unmarked cars, which I happen to think is a lot better idea than the DUI checkpoints.


Back in 1998 our local county police made a public announcement that people should be not be stopped by unmarked cars, and should fear unmarked cars if it happens. A few weeks later they had a "ricer" crackdown and used nothing but old junker unmarked cars they had sitting around. Old body style Luminas. Newer body style Luminas. Old Corsicas. They sat down low in the seats so people couldn't see the uniforms. The hiprocracy of this made a lot of people steaming mad.

Our local DUI checkpoints are a joke. The police pick heavily traveled main arteries. A true habitual drunk always bypasses major arteries to avoid the roadblocks at all times.



Originally posted by Paul T. Casey
I also have another theory on the added police staffing that has to do with the heightened terror alert status, but that's another story.


Again, it's just a "feel good" excuse to make more "easy money" for the police. More power to them if they can increase their annual salary from $50,000 to $90,000 at the taxpayer's expense. When's the last time a serious tax revolt took place in this country?

The grants that irk me more than anything are the Dare grants. You teach a bunch of 10 and 11-year-old kids to shout out "JUST SAY NO!" in an auditorium. 4 years later they are hiding in the bathrooms smoking weed. :)

[woaface]

There have been quite a high number of popo's out on the road in the last week or two. Being normal (with driving habits) is out of the question...

[PhastPhil]

Sheriff brings up a good point. Here in N.Y. they have told the public to be wary of unmarked cars. Too many police impersonators. I have a pretty good idea of what the local police vehicles are and I will not stop for anything that does not look like a police car. I know where most of my precinct houses are and if need be, I'd drive right to the station rather than pull over and risk getiing robbed or killed!

[PhastPhil]

btw... is there any truth to the story going around that says if you are suspicious of the car trying to pull you over that there is a way to use your cell phone and enter a code that will put you in touch with the local police dispatcher? It would seem to me that too many idiots would be calling the police dispatcher for no good reason. The story claimed to have saved the life of a young woman from a police impersonator with a history of pulling over his victims. supposedly the woman was able to use her cell phone to contact the police dispatch, only to find out there was no police car in her vicinity. The dispatcher then sent a real patrol car to the location and caught the imposter.

[SHERIFF]

Originally posted by PhastPhil
btw... is there any truth to the story going around that says if you are suspicious of the car trying to pull you over that there is a way to use your cell phone and enter a code that will put you in touch with the local police dispatcher?


In our community there is a code that allows POLICE to contact dispatch "free". Obviously I don't want to enter the code publicly, but it's something like *67...... takes you right to dispatch instantly and without charge.

If citizens need to contact the Virginia State Police it is *77 around here. Otheriwse, I don't think calling 911 (if you think a police impersonator is attempting to pull you over) is going to be a major problem with any dispatch center. 911 nationwide is set up so you can contact them instantly, even if the cell phone you are using isn't activated and in-service.

[SHERIFF]

ps phil ----- I like your signature line.... "wanted 5 year old MM." :)

[woaface]

Ok, well I settled on Yokohama's. Sorry Sheriff, they lucked out wiht my dad over the Kumo's and everything else in the end. I like them! Blackwalls, great tires, it takes a good bit more push on the car to make them howl or squeel or anything. They don't roll under as quickly as the Michellin Symmetrys that I had before either.
BTW Sherrif, love the "God Please" picture...but the McDonald's a little too much:D

[SHERIFF]

Originally posted by woaface
....the McDonald's a little too much:D


Can you prove I'm not Ronald McDonald? :)

[Skp369]

A couple of points:

1.) Sheriff is right; the radar is normally kept turned on and in standby mode. I can flip the switch and lock in before your unit evens registers the presence of a radar. I have set behind cars with radar detectors at traffic lights and watched the time delay as I flip on the unit.

2.) At 107mph; you are traveling at 156.86 feet per second. It something should happen in front of you that is preceived as a danger, your car will travel 250 feet before your foot hits the break pedal. It will take a minimum of an additional 545 feet to stop any vehicle at that speed. In other words; if something were to happen, it will take you a MINIMUM of 795 feet to stop. To put that in perspective, that is almost the length of an aircraft carrier or about 40+ car lenghts. Just a food for thought...Just be carefull out there.

[woaface]

So there, don't speed stupid where there are more than 2 or 3 cars per mile and there's no way anything can enter the road....like a huge toll road that's up in the air or with barriers on the side or the autobahn...ya know:D I'll think about that math there everytime I push more than 60 now. That and those NASTY ass pictures they show in drivers ed.

[woaface]

About radar, it all comes down to it's accuracy, which is, by that time, about the only major thing you can use to challange in court. Lot's of little things, but as long as the radar or laser unit is right, screw everything else you had in mind. Some precints around the country are even using Hi-Fi cameras on the unit, to have a visual along with. Not as many tickets are being reversed.
Once money really starts being spent on the technology, or the technology gets better and cheaper (any day now) those of us who speed habitually, are pretty much gonna have to hope on the speed limits changing.

Wake me up in the next few life times when it happens.

[Skp369]

Our department is experimenting with some new technology. We have been using camera's at stop lights to photogragh people blowing red lights. It is based on loops in the roadway and calculates your speed and does the math to determine if you can stop in time and then fires the camera before you enter and on your way through. A private company (who paid for the cameras) sends the car owner a decriminalized ticket and city gets a small portion of the proceeds. The person who fails to pay has their credit rating ruined.

The second area that the powers that be are testing out is an un-marked van with some type of equipment that will measure speed. They just got it and I have not seen it. I am not sure if it works on laser, radar, or GPS. But as you speed by this parked plain old van, it takes your picture and they will be sending out the same de-criminalized tickets.

As I said... This is a test and only a test of the emergency broadcast system. If it were an actual emergency Big Brother will notify you of where to go.

[jgc61sr2002]

Skp369 - There about 75 red light cameras in New York City. They are one fine money maker. $50 dollars per offense and the summons is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. No points on license because the driver in unidentifible. No pay = Suspension of lic. or registration.