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From: awd@byucsc.UUCP (A. W. Dunstan)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: speedometer calibration and radar
Message-ID: <172@byucsc.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 28-Feb-85 11:54:59 EST
Article-I.D.: byucsc.172
Posted: Thu Feb 28 11:54:59 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 9-Mar-85 11:31:09 EST
References: <714@inuxd.UUCP>
Organization: BYU Computer and Statistical Science -- Provo UT
Lines: 30

> My questions:  What are the chances that my speedometer is 15 mph
> off calibration?  How can I find out?  What are the chances that 
> the radar (operated by an Ohio State Patrolman, not some local
> Wyatt Earp) screwed up?  Should I try to fight it, even though it
> is out-of-state 150 miles from home?  Am I more likely to get
> this treatment now that I have a sporty looking car than I would
> in a sedate sedan?
> 
It shouldn't be too hard to find a shop that will calibrate your speedometer
to within a very small percentage.  It may take some looking, but they can
be found.  Some speedometers can be way off, right from the start. 

Another thing should be noted - most radar guns have a "calibration" mode.
Press a button, and it calibrates itself.  The number used for calibration
is usually around 70 MPH.  Odd, isn't it?  If you were fairly close to the 
truck, the radar will pick up the truck, and not you.  Actuall it picks up
both, but the signal from the truck overpowers the signal reflected from
your vehicle (assuming your vehicle is significantly smaller than the truck.)

It might be worth your while to see how accurate your speedometer already
is.  If it turns out that it *is* accurate, find a lawyer and talk to 
the judge, I'd say.

Happy Motoring!
 -- 
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No one should be held responsible for these remarks, least of all me.

            - byucsc!awd  (A. W. Dunstan)