Radar Camera / Detectors

[rebby]

Has anyone got one of the Snooper types adn do they work? I always make a real effort to keep the speed limit but sometimes struggle at 30 mph (I usually end up doing about 35) It's not because I'm a speed freak, but because of other drivers who are so impatient / aggressive that they come right up your backside virtually bumper to bumper. There are mobile cameras everywhere, and I'm constantly worried about being pushed into a situation and caught for speeding. A bit stupid maybe, but my licence means too much to me ! Any ideas ?

[homer75]

I totally agree with you - these cameras are everywhere and you can get flashed very easily even though you are driving safely. I got a tomtom 510 which has all the 'safety cameras' on its database - it warns when approaching fixed cameras and gives the speed limit in force on that location. You can also update it on your pc to stay ahead of the game so to speak. It also has bluetooth for your mobile phone and as a navigator I can't fault it. I believe the best snooper type device is the Valentine One which is very expensive but is highly rated. It is a shame that normal motorists are now being driven to such lengths to protect themselves from these high tech money spinners. What we need are more traffic cops on the roads to catch the nutters and leave ordinary motorists alone.

[furrycheeky]

I will post a responce that appears every time a speeding question comes up. If you don't speed you can save yourself money and penalty points without having to buy a snooper. They dont make you a safer driver, paying attention to the road rules does that. All they do is give you a "carte blanche" to go wizzing around as fast as you like until it beeps at you. Then you slow down for the 20 seconds it take to pass the camera, then off you go again.

[ugly_bob]

in response to the people sitting on your bumper, either ignore them, or dab your brakes. The sight of you lighting your brake lights (without slowing down) should make them back off. If not, try repeating. It may make them think you're an idiot, but they should back off.

Failing that, stick your rear fog lights on and blind them - that usually works.

And remember, if they do hit you, it is ALWAYS their fault.

[cyclone]

Just cane it speedy, you'll b ok lol.

[SurreyGuy]

If speed is such a contributor to accidents (I personally think BAD DRIVING is more of a contributor), then why can we buy vehicles that exceed 70 mph?!

Speed cameras are (I believe) only supposed to be put in accident blackspots? Now, whilst I don't have any data to back up my opinion, I can't believe that some of the locations I've seen them in are accident blackspots!

Also, I'm sure I saw on a programme recently that there is no definitive proof that the introduction of speed cameras in the UK has actually reduced accident/death rates.

In my humble opinion, I thing speed cameras are purely a revenue maker for whoever gets the money from the fines.

Cue a plethora of "you must be a bad/speeding driver" posts..................................................

[kepla]

I have a snooper 835 in both my cars. Those devices which claim to hold a database of all the camera positions, or download them from satellites, are pretty much useless against mobile cameras - they just don't know where they are ! The Snooper works by receiving the signals from various types of radar and laser gun and alerting you to them. They make a good job of alerting you to accident blackspots and suchlike so they are an aid towards road safety. Some shop burgular alarms and automatic doors can give 'false triggers', but then you are being alerted to a nearby shop which also helps safety as you can expect pedestrians to be wondering around there too. Great devices, but a bit expensive new (�300 each). Plenty around on e-bay as people are buying the new satellite ones instead of them (they will still get caught out by mobile guns). Definitely a boon to those of us who want to drive safely and legally, but benefit from a reminder every now and then !

[rebby]

Thanks for all your answers. Furrycheeky's answer was fairly predictible, because he has missed the point. I am talking about all the idiots who tailgate me when I am trying to drive to the limits - they're the ones who cause me anxiety and stress when I'm driving. Only tonight was I coming home from work in a 30mph zone when a car *right* up my backside and tailled me all the way. Its just so frustrating, why are people so inconsiderate ? I mau get where I'm going slightly later, but I'll be in one piece.

[Gef]

I agree with Furry's answer and I don't think he/she has missed the point.

rebby, the idiots who tailgate you at 30mph would still do the same thing at 35 or 40 mph even in a 30 mph zone.

Stick to your guns and keep to the limit.

[Misty77]

Hiya Rebby. You are right, there are too many people in a hurry these days who might push you into a dangerous situation. As Gef says, stuck to your guns - its them who'll (hopefully) get caught. Police pick on easy targets. It is ridiculous that a driver who accidentally strays over the limit gets a conviction - they should get the idiots who are gonna kill someone. But face it, the police are onto a winner. They're not going to stop until the money stops rolling in. Good luck Rebby. It takes guts to admit you're not perfect.

[cascarelli]

hey furrycheeky........is it not possible to have detector and STILL drive within the speed limits? Perhaps you'd use it to know if there is an accident blackspot ahead? Can't you see the use of that? It's a safety feature if you use it right. I don't think its right or helpful to give generalised answers such as 'you want a detector therefore you are a speed freak'.