Who would like to drive over the speed limit without the risk of getting a speeding ticket? Well, it seems most people would. And that is why having a radar detector installed in your car is so popular.
So bending the law is becoming an accepted means of driving fast without paying the penalty. Keep in mind, though, if caught repeatedly the driver risks having their license revoked on top of hefty fines.
Radar detectors first came on the scene during the early 1970s, when the rage for fast driving was spreading and police started using radar guns more frequently. So to drive fast and not pay fines, people have turned radar detectors into one of the most sought after car accessories.
Not only did this gadget help save the money paid for fines and court fees, it also helped reduce insurance premiums, which could be to the tune of a couple of thousand dollars with a lengthy record of speeding violations.
Features to Buy
The more money that is spent on a radar detector the more features it is likely to have, which typically increases its utility. The more expensive the radar detector, the better its sensitivity through long-range detection capability as well as improved selectivity, which filter out non-police signals so the driver is not subjected to a stream of false alarms.
Another aspect to the radar detector, apart from reading radar signals, is that it can also send out a specially transmitted field of light ahead of the vehicle that helps confuse the radar readings on the cops’ radar gun. It sends out light rather than radio frequencies, so that the vehicle does not stay visible on the radar screen of the cop’s equipment. Most high end radar detectors come with the jamming facility.
If you want to buy a radar detector it is worth it to spend a little extra and get a top range model. Some of the better-known brands are Bel, Cobra, Escort, Rocky Mountain, and Phantom. Buying a name-brand radar detector from an online store is a good idea as they offer a lot of discounts and also provide better customer service. You can even find higher-end models at discounted prices; it all depends on where you shop and how much the dealer cuts prices during sales. However, if money is tight, the low cost radar detectors are still useful, if a little plain on the extras.