Speed Warning Device

pauljoanss

I now have 6 points for speeding and have 2 1/2 years before any fall off. This is not because I am a fast driver, both offences were about 1mph over the speed for prosecution, but I am not very good at concentrating on the speed limit and am very worried that there is a real risk of me getting more offences and possible disqualification.

Can anyone advise a device which would give me a simple audible warning when I am exceeding the prosecution (or speed) limit. There seems to be a lot of devices for detection of fixed speed cameras (my offences were thro mobile detectors) but I am not trying to dodge prosecution, simply trying to drive at a legal speed all the time. I realise that there will always be a problem of updates, but how often do limits change, I would be happy with 95% effectiveness, much better than zero.

It seems very strange to me that such devices are not in common use, why not have them fitted to cars as standard?, hard to think of reason why not, but I am sure someone will come up with a reason.
(Also why not have automatic speed limiters on cars, speeding would pass into history)
PS I do not own a smart phone so not interested in apps.

Cornucopia

This is the second question about this within a couple of weeks.

There might be such a device, but it would probably be sufficiently unreliable at the moment to not be worth having. Proficient drivers do not need them (which is probably the main reason we do not have them).

British roads are engineered such that you do not need to have noticed the (very large) terminal speed signs to know the speed limit. Every road's speed limit can be determined by its type, or because it has repeater speed limit signs.

I would be concerned that if you are not confident managing your speed, then you may have other issues with your driving. Maybe some refresher lessons might help?

Here's a device (out of stock)... http://www.snooper-evolution.co.uk/Snooper_my_speed_Aura.php

You can tell from this text that they are really targeting it at incompetent drivers.

Have you ever been driving along, confused as to what the speed limit is? You are unsure whether you are in a 30mph or a 40mph zone? You frantically scan the side of the road as you drive but can’t see a speed limit sign anywhere? MY-SPEED Aura has the answer!

forgotmyname

Tried one years ago and it beeped so often you may as well drive everywhere at 20mph just in case.

Not good concentration at the speed limit? Drive below the speed limit.

1mph above the speed for prosecution equals how many mph over the actual posted limit?

Why don't cars have them as standard, because it would cost a fortune to implement.

pauljoanss

I really feel your reply totally misses the point.
Driving is a very complex process and any aids that make it safer should not be discounted.

Continually glancing at the speedo and mentally computing the current speed limit uses up limited mental resources which would be far better used concentrating on everything that is happening on the road around you.

Additionally I do not think it is immoral to drive over the limit but within the prosecution speeds eg 33 in a 30 limit. But would you know the prosecution limit for every speed limit in every police area. I would hope a competent speed warning device would know the difference and could be set to actual limit or prosecution limits.

I would suggest the reason that most people are prosecuted for speeding is because of error and not because they deliberately intended to speed. It's all very well saying people should not make errors, but they do and why not use a device to help us prevent errors.

RichardD1970

My Garmin Satnav can give an audible warning if you exceed the speed limit.

Luckily it can be switched off

Cornucopia

pauljoanss wrote: »

I really feel your reply totally misses the point.
Driving is a very complex process and any aids that make it safer should not be discounted.

It wouldn't be making it safer. Determining a safe speed is not necessarily related to the speed limit.

Continually glancing at the speedo and mentally computing the current speed limit uses up limited mental resources which would be far better used concentrating on everything that is happening on the road around you.

Have you considered a car with cruise control / speed limiter? Lots of cars now have them. I use mine a lot, and probably wouldn't now buy a car without them. The benefit is to take away those frequent glances to the speedo (although my speedo is also digital & huge).

Additionally I do not think it is immoral to drive over the limit but within the prosecution speeds eg 33 in a 30 limit. But would you know the prosecution limit for every speed limit in every police area. I would hope a competent speed warning device would know the difference and could be set to actual limit or prosecution limits.

You don't need to know the prosecution limit. Policing in my experience isn't so extensive as to require constant vigilance in the way you seem to be implying. If you feel at risk of getting caught speeding, don't speed.

I would suggest the reason that most people are prosecuted for speeding is because of error and not because they deliberately intended to speed. It's all very well saying people should not make errors, but they do and why not use a device to help us prevent errors.

My experience of friends, family & acquaintances is that most speed prosecutions are of the unwary. I don't think this is unfair, or a coincidence. The best drivers are those who concentrate on their driving and maintain a high level of awareness of the road environment around them.

What we all seem to be saying is that you should strive to be a better driver who does not need reminding of the speed limit.

pauljoanss

Just looked at the "Snooper MySpeed" device and it seems to be what I want, unfortunately it is no longer available and has been replaced by "Snooper Lynx GT Lite" which appears to be yet another speed camera warning device.
Loads of these on the market, why, are they for drivers who want to speed but do not want to be caught. Why no devices for drivers who simply do not want to speed.
(Defining speed limits is not easy, you really need to see the limit change sign, repeaters are only used when the limit does not conform to norms. How to define a built up area, what gap between street lights defines a 30 limit?)

pauljoanss

Cornucopia wrote: »

It wouldn't be making it safer. Determining a safe speed is not necessarily related to the speed limit..

I believe the basis of speed limits is fundamentally all about safety

Cornucopia wrote: »

Have you considered a car with cruise control / speed limiter? Lots of cars now have them. I use mine a lot, and probably wouldn't now buy a car without them. The benefit is to take away those frequent glances to the speedo (although my speedo is also digital & huge)..

Yes I do have cruise control, fantastic on an empty road but not very practical when a lot of traffic around.

Cornucopia wrote: »

You don't need to know the prosecution limit. Policing in my experience isn't so extensive as to require constant vigilance in the way you seem to be implying. If you feel at risk of getting caught speeding, don't speed..

This is my whole point, I do feel at risk and therefore I do not want to speed ever, but I find it difficult. A road near us changes from 50 to 30 to 40 to 30 all within 1 mile.

Cornucopia

pauljoanss wrote: »

I believe the basis of speed limits is fundamentally all about safety

Not really. Probably more about creating an orderly environment, more than a safe one.

Yes I do have cruise control, fantastic on an empty road but not very practical when a lot of traffic around.

In very heavy traffic, yes, I agree. But mostly it's useful and usable. I suppose it depends how easy it is to set - mine is one button on the steering wheel, and one button, or a dab on the brake to cancel.

This is my whole point, I do feel at risk and therefore I do not want to speed ever, but I find it difficult. A road near us changes from 50 to 30 to 40 to 30 all within 1 mile.

I think you probably need to examine why you find it difficult not to speed. Like people are saying, there is no need no to know the limit.

The rule is this (for cars):

1. Motorways are 70, unless stated otherwise.

2. Otherwise, if there are streetlights, then 30.

3. Otherwise 60 for single carriageway and 70 for dual, unless there are repeaters.

Iceweasel

pauljoanss wrote: »

Why no devices for drivers who simply do not want to speed.

(Defining speed limits is not easy, you really need to see the limit change sign, repeaters are only used when the limit does not conform to norms. How to define a built up area, what gap between street lights defines a 30 limit?)

There are virtually no electronic gizmos to tell you the speed limits because competent attentive drivers don't need them.

It's really simple - if you don't want to exceed the speed limit you need to pay more attention to the national speed limits and which limits are on which roads.

It sounds like you don't know the 'norms' you mention.

You are very wrong about defining speed limits - it's very obvious - the fault is with yourself and you need to educate yourself as to what the limits are and where they apply.

The gap between street lights is 183 metres (the old 200 yards) but before you reach for a measuring tape you can be almost certain that if there are regular street lights it's a 30 limit and if it's not there will be regular repeaters.

Plenty info here:

http://www.abd.org.uk/speed_limit_signs.htm#30

And read this very recent thread on the same subject:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5184654

ado

Why not pay for an advance driving course and learn to read the road and to manage your driving in a better way. There are loads of clues on and around roads which will help inform you about speed limits without having to rely upon obvious signs. The by product of going on a course would be a lower insurance premium due to your improved driving skill and you will enjoy driving a lot more, you'll be more aware of your limits and you'll get more out of your car.

Or you could get my mother in law to sit in the back of your car all the time as I'm sure she'd tell you when you are going too fast.