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Motorists take to Internet to alert other drivers about speed traps

Herald-Whig -- That lead foot of yours just got you in trouble with the law again.

You're buzzing down the road and all of the sudden you look in your rear-view mirror and see those red and blue lights. Hasn't happened very often, but been there, done that. There are ways to feel worse, but getting pulled over can be pretty embarrassing.

After giving up your licence and registration, you pray that you get out of this one. Much to your chagrin, you get a speeding ticket.

"That had to have been a speed trap," you say to yourself as you slowly pull away.

You're not alone. There are plenty of other drivers out there who think the way you do, and they've hit the Internet to let people know where not to go. The National Motorist Association recently analyzed five years' worth of data from its website, spee

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Submitted Sep 08, 2012 By: skb69sa

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Sparky19038 Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:2,038 Points:578,190 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Sep 13, 2012 8:40:11 AM Ignore Sparky19038 Report Abuse @remay re: "Really? Internet real-time in a vehicle?" Yes. Some cars have internet connections, although some do not allow manipulation while the vehicle is moving. Much more common, however: Smartphones all have data connections (assuming you're in an area that has coverage). That's how I update gas prices in real-time, using the GasBuddy App on my phone.
Lou08 Champion Author California Posts:1,084 Points:252,410 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 1:13:05 PM Ignore Lou08 Report Abuse Old article!SPEED TRAPS... [Edited by: Lou08 at 9/12/2012 4:17:22 PM EST]
remay Champion Author Houston Posts:6,963 Points:2,116,640 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Sep 10, 2012 5:33:31 AM Ignore remay Report Abuse Really? Internet real-time in a vehicle?
NedW Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:5,609 Points:1,141,270 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Sep 10, 2012 12:19:50 AM Ignore NedW Report Abuse Thank you for submitting this article, skb39sa.
SycamoreISU Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,040 Points:259,685 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Sep 9, 2012 9:53:11 PM Ignore SycamoreISU Report Abuse Too many times people complaining of "speed traps" will speed consistently, regardless of the posted limit, and faster than the flow of traffic. I'm not going to play "armchair road commissioner" and try to convince people that they could travel just as safely at a higher speed. Most of the time, they just didn't see the cop in time to slow down closer to the speed limit.
derKraut Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,094 Points:1,226,805 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Sep 9, 2012 1:19:59 PM Ignore derKraut Report Abuse Novel but don't like the time - don't do the crime.
jrs4125 Champion Author Indiana Posts:2,753 Points:590,770 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Sep 9, 2012 8:59:32 AM Ignore jrs4125 Report Abuse Good idea.
blupupher Champion Author Houston Posts:3,545 Points:747,070 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Sep 9, 2012 6:48:33 AM Ignore blupupher Report Abuse don't speed and you don't have to worry about it.
scu227 Champion Author New Haven Posts:4,147 Points:770,905 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Sep 9, 2012 3:35:54 AM Ignore scu227 Report Abuse Slow down !!!!
SovietSunrise Champion Author San Antonio Posts:7,899 Points:1,117,010 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 11:32:37 PM Ignore SovietSunrise Report Abuse Here's a very well-written piece by someone on another forum I frequent: ___________________________________________________________________________ I got ticketed for doing 58 in a 45 mph zone on South Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, Colorado by a Littleton officer who had casually pointed his radar gun out the driver's door window at the oncoming traffic while he was stopped at a cross intersection, stuck in traffic. It's an overpass area, and the prevailing traffic flow is well known to exceed the speed limit as it descends heading South. I knew the area well and that SSantaFe was heavily patrolled for speeders, so I always stayed in the right hand lane of the three and let traffic blast past me. But the officer had a radar reading locked on his gun and asserted that I was moving with the traffic flow, so I must have been going that speed. He acknowledged that he didn't "lock on" me specifically, but had the speed reading and his perception that I was moving with the traffic flow. But I wasn't moving with the traffic flow when I crested the rise, and I was actually slowing down as I saw the traffic light at the intersection turn yellow. The reason the officer pulled me over was that I was the one he could conveniently pull over when I got the green light again ... he was stuck in traffic at the intersection and couldn't go after any of the folks ahead of me. Fortunately for me, the Littleton city attorney office gave me a chance to tell them the circumstances, which were apparently noted on the comments by the officer ... and his admission that he hadn't actually locked his radar gun on my vehicle to get the reading. I was given a plea bargain reduction to an "obstructed windshield", which is a no-point traffic violation and a fine of $30. I know when it's time to fold and just pay up to the revenue generating system of traffic enforcement instead of trying to fight them ... so $30 it was, and out the door. They may not necessarily have official or unofficial quotas ... but they know that they must generate so much revenue to justify their jobs. Where there isn't a lot of accidents, and traffic flows well in an area even at over the posted speed limit ... traffic safety is no longer the justification for their presence, they've got to write tickets to generate revenue.
SovietSunrise Champion Author San Antonio Posts:7,899 Points:1,117,010 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 10:56:24 PM Ignore SovietSunrise Report Abuse What should we do if the speed limit is grotesquely inappropriate for the purposes of revenue generation?
sciotosix Champion Author Dayton Posts:2,744 Points:665,150 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:23:33 PM Ignore sciotosix Report Abuse Ahh! The internet generation.
rjoeh Champion Author Michigan Posts:7,076 Points:2,469,090 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:20:06 PM Ignore rjoeh Report Abuse Michigan SP uses the wolf pack format... multiple cars at one location that is slightly hidden with a spotter with radar on a bridge, etc. They notify the next patrol car in line your identifion of vehicle and your good as got. Observational experience puts rolling speed traps a favorite of Georgia. 5-7 patrol cars spaced at 1-1.5 mile intervals rolling one way. The lead car identifies speeders to the rest of his crew and keeps going as the rest of the team picks up the speeders when they think they were not caught by the first officer and resume their excessive speed, just in time to come into verification radar of the next officer. Good time to stick with 60 and enjoy the scenery.
us4usa Champion Author Missouri Posts:5,984 Points:1,111,375 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:13:34 PM Ignore us4usa Report Abuse SovietSunrise: To everyone saying "slow down", we shouldn't HAVE to slow down. We should be able to drive anywhere and everywhere at speeds appropriate for the design and conditions of the road. You are right, and the speed appropriate for the design and conditions of the road is post on the white/black sign at MPH... Which the cops use to ticket you??? No one should be saying slow down, they should be saying drive the speed limit and you will not get a ticket, trap or not...
N5EXY Champion Author Austin Posts:5,487 Points:1,509,105 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:12:28 PM Ignore N5EXY Report Abuse YeahBut - - what about the idiots, SovietSunrise? (Yes, I know about Selma, Live Oak, Universal City, etc., as well as Mustang Ridge.) I don't think I like the idea of motorists texting such info while driving.
Beau2140 Champion Author New York Posts:8,291 Points:1,656,185 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:11:57 PM Ignore Beau2140 Report Abuse Makes sence.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,847 Points:1,612,025 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:08:46 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse A true speed trap is a place where the posted limit is too low for the road and traffic conditions or where signage is inadequate. These are often set up purposefully to raise revenue. I am all for exposing these locations. If the limit is reasonable and it is properly posted, I’m in favor of speeders getting cited.
judgemobile Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,565 Points:2,444,160 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:08:23 PM Ignore judgemobile Report Abuse if I see a speed trap, I will rapidly blink my brights on and off continuously, day or night, to warn oncoming drivers. Others have shown this courtesy to me, so the least I can do is pass it on.
rahcat Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:2,463 Points:661,975 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:06:09 PM Ignore rahcat Report Abuse Do they post this information to the internet while driving?
Ahking Champion Author Orange County Posts:3,502 Points:602,520 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:03:25 PM Ignore Ahking Report Abuse the web is for sharing info. a good use.
visitor_2 Champion Author Orlando Posts:1,652 Points:1,635,530 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:02:42 PM Ignore visitor_2 Report Abuse good
tutaw Champion Author Kentucky Posts:3,590 Points:841,545 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:02:01 PM Ignore tutaw Report Abuse ok
shores4now Champion Author Kentucky Posts:2,401 Points:522,825 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:01:15 PM Ignore shores4now Report Abuse Ok
SovietSunrise Champion Author San Antonio Posts:7,899 Points:1,117,010 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 9:00:03 PM Ignore SovietSunrise Report Abuse To everyone saying "slow down", we shouldn't HAVE to slow down. We should be able to drive anywhere and everywhere at speeds appropriate for the design and conditions of the road.
us4usa Champion Author Missouri Posts:5,984 Points:1,111,375 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:59:50 PM Ignore us4usa Report Abuse Just remember that speeder make be headed for your love ones??? 96sc1:Why don't they have burglary traps? They do, its called home owner with a S&W...
Number43 Champion Author Lexington Posts:8,692 Points:1,637,195 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:58:16 PM Ignore Number43 Report Abuse Slow down.
DustyHorse Champion Author Virginia Posts:6,079 Points:1,390,785 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:56:44 PM Ignore DustyHorse Report Abuse That is great news.
96sc1 Champion Author El Paso Posts:8,517 Points:1,367,440 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:56:43 PM Ignore 96sc1 Report Abuse I love it when they park their high profile vehicles in front of the speed limit signs and then ticket you because you didn't see them.
nimpy Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:8,130 Points:1,700,130 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:55:34 PM Ignore nimpy Report Abuse his is always A G good idea
SovietSunrise Champion Author San Antonio Posts:7,899 Points:1,117,010 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:54:16 PM Ignore SovietSunrise Report Abuse "Why? If someone is speeding, I WANT them to get caught." - Michael29644 Yeah, that seems to make sense, doesn't it? Except the reality is far more complex. Many roads have inappropriate speed limits for the design and condition of the road & the local law enforcement takes advantage of that not for safety, but for revenue generation. That is WRONG. Everyone needs to use whatever tools are available at their disposal to protect their own interest. Having our money go to revenue-generating PUNKS is not in the common interest of anyone here.
fenster66 Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:3,345 Points:673,115 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:52:50 PM Ignore fenster66 Report Abuse interesting...
gasmack Champion Author Ventura Posts:1,705 Points:666,550 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:52:08 PM Ignore gasmack Report Abuse Okay.
trytogetby All-Star Author Cincinnati Posts:864 Points:214,000 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:51:46 PM Ignore trytogetby Report Abuse Texting & driving or heck just pull out your lap top come on.
96sc1 Champion Author El Paso Posts:8,517 Points:1,367,440 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:50:59 PM Ignore 96sc1 Report Abuse Why don't they have burglary traps?
nigelb Champion Author Virginia Posts:8,449 Points:1,389,805 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:50:26 PM Ignore nigelb Report Abuse rf6480 - Right! Yapping on a cell phone is almost as bad as texting.
Z51Corvette Champion Author Austin Posts:8,480 Points:1,670,195 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:50:00 PM Ignore Z51Corvette Report Abuse Hey... if the cops want to create speed traps.. then drivers should have the freedom to create speed havens! It really is silly, all of it!
SalukiCO Sophomore Author Colorado Springs Posts:199 Points:242,545 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:49:20 PM Ignore SalukiCO Report Abuse Take the upper hand back from those traps!
Red7002011 Champion Author Mississippi Posts:3,327 Points:667,745 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:49:17 PM Ignore Red7002011 Report Abuse Really!
rf6480 Champion Author Miami Posts:1,534 Points:547,055 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:48:40 PM Ignore rf6480 Report Abuse a lot of times typing alerts or texting while they are driving
boldrph Champion Author Topeka Posts:18,371 Points:3,449,915 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:47:00 PM Ignore boldrph Report Abuse scoff law
rozellep2 Sophomore Author Illinois Posts:105 Points:573,950 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:46:59 PM Ignore rozellep2 Report Abuse mmm
Blue48 Champion Author Illinois Posts:7,300 Points:1,636,970 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:43:49 PM Ignore Blue48 Report Abuse OK!
mfeldstein Champion Author Ottawa Posts:8,166 Points:1,929,405 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:43:45 PM Ignore mfeldstein Report Abuse Gotta stick together against Big Brother, eh?
sciotosix Champion Author Dayton Posts:2,744 Points:665,150 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:42:00 PM Ignore sciotosix Report Abuse Ahh! The internet generation.
SammyAdams Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:3,051 Points:791,810 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:39:01 PM Ignore SammyAdams Report Abuse It is easy to speed unless you are prone to use your "cruise control" all the time. I appreciate the "reminders" of other motorists who flash their lights to remind you to turn on your lights, slow down, etc. and I likewise return the favor.
goldrose1 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:10,931 Points:1,923,530 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:36:11 PM Ignore goldrose1 Report Abuse Nothing new.
Michael29644 Champion Author Greenville Posts:4,956 Points:841,325 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:35:27 PM Ignore Michael29644 Report Abuse "Just flash your lights." Why? If someone is speeding, I WANT them to get caught.
papa56NC All-Star Author North Carolina Posts:725 Points:142,760 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:33:47 PM Ignore papa56NC Report Abuse Ok
skyking19 Champion Author Little Rock Posts:1,996 Points:1,697,965 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:31:56 PM Ignore skyking19 Report Abuse Drive the speed limit!
mrinmoyd Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,095 Points:364,525 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2012 8:31:06 PM Ignore mrinmoyd Report Abuse true