Speeding is a major problem in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 2021, there were over 10,000 speeding-related accidents in the city, resulting in over 200 fatalities. In an effort to reduce speeding, police officers use a variety of speed tracking devices, including radar guns and laser speed guns.

Radar Guns

Radar guns are the most common type of speed tracking device used by police officers. Radar guns work by emitting a beam of radio waves that bounces off of moving objects. The speed of the object is then calculated based on the frequency of the reflected waves.

Radar guns are very accurate, but they can be affected by weather conditions. For example, radar guns can be less accurate in rain or snow. Additionally, radar guns can be fooled by other objects that are moving, such as trucks or buses.

Laser Speed Guns

Laser speed guns are a newer type of speed tracking device that is becoming increasingly popular with police officers. Laser speed guns work by sending a beam of laser light at a moving object. The speed of the object is then calculated based on the time it takes for the laser light to travel to the object and back.

Laser speed guns are more accurate than radar guns and are not affected by weather conditions. However, laser speed guns can be more expensive than radar guns.

Other Speed Tracking Devices

In addition to radar guns and laser speed guns, police officers also use a variety of other speed tracking devices, such as:

• Pace Clocks: Pace clocks are used by police officers to measure the speed of a vehicle by timing how long it takes the vehicle to travel between two points.
• Video Speedometers: Video speedometers use video cameras to track the speed of vehicles.
• ALPRs: Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are devices that can read the license plates of vehicles as they drive by. ALPRs can be used to track the speed of vehicles by comparing the time it takes for a vehicle to pass between two ALPRs.

How Police Officers Use Speed Tracking Devices

Police officers use speed tracking devices to catch speeders in a variety of ways. Some common methods include:

• Stationary Patrol: Police officers will often set up radar guns or laser speed guns in stationary locations, such as on the side of the road or in a median.
• Mobile Patrol: Police officers will also use radar guns and laser speed guns while patrolling in their vehicles.
• Aircraft: Police officers may also use aircraft, such as helicopters or airplanes, to track speeders.

There are a few things you can do to avoid getting caught speeding:

• Be aware of your speed. Always be aware of how fast you are driving and make sure you are not exceeding the speed limit.
• Obey the speed limit. The speed limit is there for a reason. Obeying the speed limit will help you avoid getting a speeding ticket and help keep you safe on the road.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the traffic around you and be aware of potential hazards. If you see a police officer, slow down.
• Drive defensively. Drive defensively and be prepared for the unexpected. This will help you avoid getting into an accident, even if you are not speeding.

Speeding is a serious problem in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Police officers use a variety of speed tracking devices to catch speeders. There are a few things you can do to avoid getting caught speeding, such as being aware of your speed, obeying the speed limit, and driving defensively.