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It used to be that a good radar detector (Fuzz Buster) did the trick just fine. Just like in our childhood games of Cops and Robbers or Cowboys and Indians, the Cops keep getting wiser to the tricks of the trade of speeding rebels. It used to be a game where the radar detectors were technologically smarter than the radar gun, the radar gun then gets smarter, and so on.

As it stand's today, the radar detector may be nothing more than a warning device whose beep tells you that are about to be ticketed. In today's times, and economic situation, Cops and cameras are more likely to catch traffic infractions than ever before, and both have become tools of revenue for the city. So much so that I have given up my speeding rebel ways, sold the Fuzz Buster, and drive the limit. With some of the non-conformist personality still left in me, I thought it proper to share some tips for those that have not quite settled down on the road.

Before I begin, one caveat comes to mind, do not drive ridiculously under the speed limit as it disrupts the flow of traffic and you can be ticketed for that as well. Conversely, if you typically drive more than 5MPH over any given limit, you are literally gambling. So Here we go, in no particular order.

1. Tires and the Speedometer

It's important to know that tire inflation as well as after-market oversized or undersized tires can throw off your speedometer reading. When possible, check your speed against a friend's car as you drive side by side. If you find the reading is off, find out how much, then you'll know to drive accordingly. Radar guns calculate speed by the travel of the car, not the wheels, in other words, they are pretty accurate.

2. Location and Position

Know where you can push the limit and where you can't. School zones, residential areas and an empty early morning or late night highway can cost you. Major freeways with many cars traveling 15 MPH over sets the flow of traffic and you'll usually be safe, unless you are the lead car or the last car in the bunch. You can take a lesson from Smokey and the Bandit on this one as the middle car in the flock put's you in the "rocking chair" (the best place to be).

3. Peaks and Valleys

Use your eyes and watch those roads that have lots of undulations and curves. Cops love to sit in wait for their catch at the bottom of hills and around blind curves. These areas will render radar detector's useless as well because the way the beam from the Cop's radar is a straight line spread.

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