topher5150
Dedicated LVC Member
You want controversy? Try setting up automated cameras to give motorists tickets.
Last week, under pressure from various state-wide activist groups Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer allowed the state's two-year-old contract for speed cameras to lapse, effectively shutting down scores of roadside vans outfitted with the systems. (Opponents wanted to put it to a ballot vote but failed to get the required number of signatures.) Still, speed cameras are used in 57 different metropolitan areas across the country and automated red light cameras are even more popular with local governments.
These systems are designed to catch drivers running red lights and are installed in over 450 communities, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, including Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia.
Ostensibly, the red light cameras (like radar traps) are intended to curb bad driving behavior, prevent accidents, and save lives. But they have been attacked as mere revenue robots, mailing out tickets indiscriminately (with photos) to drivers. Others have noted that if these cameras are to work as a deterrent and warn drivers that they are approaching a dangerous intersection the locations all need to be clearly marked; many aren't (in fact, in New York City authorities do all they can to hide them).
Naturally, any new technology brings with it a technological response. Here are two radar detectors that not only attempt to give you a head's up on speed traps but also attempt to address the issue of red light cameras.
Cobra XRS 9970G, $380
Any driver who believes being forewarned is being forearmed will appreciate the benefits of the Cobra XRS 9970G.
Not only does it claim to be the first detector with a touch-screen (making it easier to set up), but it also includes a GPS receiver so that it always knows where you are. This is critical because it means it can not only warn drivers about hidden speed traps but also about red light cameras. The Cobra XRS 9970G contains a database of known red light cameras in the U.S. (much of this information is published online; some is submitted by users).
When it realizes you are approaching an intersection that has a camera, it warns you about "photo enforcement," flashes and provides an audible warning. Rather than distracting, I found it prompted me to be more cautious and alert. The Cobra XRS can be updated with new locations, as well, simply by plugging the small GPS receiver into a computer and downloading free updates.
Escort Passport 9500ix, $500
Escort has long touted the long-range radar and laser detection abilities of its top-of-the-line 9500. This model is beefed up GPS detection and a red light camera database.
The company has compiled a database of "thousands" of fixed position speed and red light camera locations. Like the Cobra model, the Passport can be updated by connecting it to a computer with an Internet connection.
There are weekly updates, but you only get three months of free downloads. After that, a 12-month subscription is $19.95. (If you find additional spots where cameras have been installed, you can add then to the device on the spot and it will warn you in future.)
In terms of detecting radar locations, the Passport 9500ix has a couple of additional tricks. For example, it uses the GPS to gauge your speed and adjust the X and K band sensitivity. Consequently, at highway speeds it's very sensitive, while at sub-20-mph speeds it only offers a simple chirp. And if you're worried that you won't notice the radar warnings when you've got the radio blasting, Escort has added a microphone to the detector so that it can tell how loud the ambient noise is in your car and boost the volume of warnings accordingly.
One final caveat: Radar and red light detectors are legal in most places in the U.S. with the exception of Washington, D.C, and Virginia. However, it is illegal to use a radar detector in a commercial vehicle, and the devices are banned in most Canadian provinces, so check the laws before you travel.
Last week, under pressure from various state-wide activist groups Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer allowed the state's two-year-old contract for speed cameras to lapse, effectively shutting down scores of roadside vans outfitted with the systems. (Opponents wanted to put it to a ballot vote but failed to get the required number of signatures.) Still, speed cameras are used in 57 different metropolitan areas across the country and automated red light cameras are even more popular with local governments.
These systems are designed to catch drivers running red lights and are installed in over 450 communities, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, including Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia.
Ostensibly, the red light cameras (like radar traps) are intended to curb bad driving behavior, prevent accidents, and save lives. But they have been attacked as mere revenue robots, mailing out tickets indiscriminately (with photos) to drivers. Others have noted that if these cameras are to work as a deterrent and warn drivers that they are approaching a dangerous intersection the locations all need to be clearly marked; many aren't (in fact, in New York City authorities do all they can to hide them).
Naturally, any new technology brings with it a technological response. Here are two radar detectors that not only attempt to give you a head's up on speed traps but also attempt to address the issue of red light cameras.
Cobra XRS 9970G, $380
Any driver who believes being forewarned is being forearmed will appreciate the benefits of the Cobra XRS 9970G.
Not only does it claim to be the first detector with a touch-screen (making it easier to set up), but it also includes a GPS receiver so that it always knows where you are. This is critical because it means it can not only warn drivers about hidden speed traps but also about red light cameras. The Cobra XRS 9970G contains a database of known red light cameras in the U.S. (much of this information is published online; some is submitted by users).
When it realizes you are approaching an intersection that has a camera, it warns you about "photo enforcement," flashes and provides an audible warning. Rather than distracting, I found it prompted me to be more cautious and alert. The Cobra XRS can be updated with new locations, as well, simply by plugging the small GPS receiver into a computer and downloading free updates.
Escort Passport 9500ix, $500
Escort has long touted the long-range radar and laser detection abilities of its top-of-the-line 9500. This model is beefed up GPS detection and a red light camera database.
The company has compiled a database of "thousands" of fixed position speed and red light camera locations. Like the Cobra model, the Passport can be updated by connecting it to a computer with an Internet connection.
There are weekly updates, but you only get three months of free downloads. After that, a 12-month subscription is $19.95. (If you find additional spots where cameras have been installed, you can add then to the device on the spot and it will warn you in future.)
In terms of detecting radar locations, the Passport 9500ix has a couple of additional tricks. For example, it uses the GPS to gauge your speed and adjust the X and K band sensitivity. Consequently, at highway speeds it's very sensitive, while at sub-20-mph speeds it only offers a simple chirp. And if you're worried that you won't notice the radar warnings when you've got the radio blasting, Escort has added a microphone to the detector so that it can tell how loud the ambient noise is in your car and boost the volume of warnings accordingly.
One final caveat: Radar and red light detectors are legal in most places in the U.S. with the exception of Washington, D.C, and Virginia. However, it is illegal to use a radar detector in a commercial vehicle, and the devices are banned in most Canadian provinces, so check the laws before you travel.