How Do Speed Traps Work?
Have you been caught speeding, and do you wonder how do speed traps work? Speed traps are one of the innovative ways that police officers can catch you speeding even if there are no police officers in sight. Sometimes individuals do not even realize that they are travelling through a speed trap until it is too late. Yet, what are the different types of speed traps, and how do speed traps work?
The United Kingdom “Locomotive Act” of 1865 is considered the first speed law in the world. It set a limit of two miles per hour while traveling through towns, and four miles per hour while travelling outside of towns.
The first speed traps were set up by timing the speed at which vehicles or locomotives travelling between two set points. Police officers then divided the distance between the two points by the amount of time that it took the vehicle to travel that distance, and this determined the average speed of the car. Eventually, speed traps evolved into what they are today.
Different Types of Speed Traps
Speed traps refer to a variety of different methods that the police may employ to catch an individual speeding. There are three main types of speed traps. The first occurs when police officers hide in hard to see locations. The second occurs when speed limit changes are placed in difficult to read places. Finally, the third major speed trap is a camera that can take a picture of a speeding motorist.
How Do Speed Traps Work?
The first type of speed trap is when police officers hide behind a bush or a sign on the side of the road, and attempt to catch cars speeding by who cannot see their cars. Police officers use a radar gun to read the speed of the motorists who drive by. This type of speed trap was the “original” speed trap.
The second type of speed trap is using speed limit signs that are in hard to view areas. Motorists frequently cannot see these signs, and thus do not realize that the speed limit has changed. Police officers who know about these signs frequently patrol the areas where these signs exist. Perhaps this is the most controversial type of speed trap because sometimes motorists are caught speeding when they did not even realize that the speed limit had changed.
Finally, cameras are also used as a type of speed trap. Police officers place cameras on the side of the road or on a light, and these cameras have the ability to read the speed of the motorists who drive past the camera. If an individual speeds through the camera, the camera takes a picture of the license plate and the motorist receives a ticket.
Avoiding Speed Traps
Now that you know the answer to how do speed traps work, how do you avoid them? The best way to avoid speed traps is by not speeding, and being vigilant of the speed that you are travelling.
You should not be either talking on the phone while you drive, or texting on your phone while you drive because these are both actions that take your attention away from the road, and increase your chance of speeding.
Tickets While Driving Through a Speed Trap
If you were “trapped” by a speed trap, and feel that you did not do anything wrong, you have an option outside of simply paying the ticket. You can attempt to fight the speeding ticket in traffic court.
If you truly were innocent, gather evidence to prove this that you can present in front of a judge in traffic court. Work out a specific and detailed plan so that you do not ramble. If you present a solid case, your ticket may get thrown out or reduced.