View Full Version : Boo hiss -- way too easy to speed in xc70
barrysharp
10-08-2003, 02:27 AM
Returning home from Crater Lake, Oregon today and wanting to get home to Seattle at a reasonable hour I pushed the XC70 along Highway 97 just south of Bend. Had three passengers and cargo that filled the whole of the cargo area. Music CD was playing real lound and we were having fun. The road was dead straight and there was light traffic. The XC70 just moved out beyond the speed limit http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif and before I had time to check the State Patrol was hounding me. Was clocked at 104 mph which simply amazed me as I sure didn't notice my speed. Must use that cruise control nxt time.
Crater Lake was superb and will post some pics later.
Ahhh, Barry, I should have warned you about how easy it is for the XC70 to fly down the road! I've had mine up to about 110 mph over here in Germany, and I'm sure it had more in the engine, but that was quite fast enough for me! You're right though, you don't even realize that you're going that fast! I'm certainly going to be in a world of trouble once I do return to the States - know any good lawyers? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
polvo
10-08-2003, 05:42 AM
i have to agree with you gary... i think i m in a world of trouble when i get back to the states... the xc is just great on the autobahn, i rarely cruise below 100 mph... i ve pushed it a few times and around 125 it seems to die... i m guessing it is the speed governor (sp?) doing it s job... shame that http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
pico de luuks
10-08-2003, 06:47 AM
Barry RR Sharp http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/pico.gif
Low Tide
10-08-2003, 07:50 AM
Congrats Barry- that's a pretty hefty fine eh? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif
Filibuster
10-08-2003, 10:41 AM
If you would have got caught with that speed in Sweeden the police would have kept your licence... (if you were a swede i.e, foregners get theirs returned when they leave the country).
xclogan
10-08-2003, 11:47 AM
http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Maybe you should change your photo to one of the XC breaking thru the sound barrier and not the jet fighter!!! LOL
I'll send you an old Volvo ad I have....
barrysharp
10-08-2003, 01:19 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Low Tide @ Oct. 08 2003,07:50)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Congrats Barry- that's a pretty hefty fine eh? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Hmmm -- yes the penalty is unlikely to be small. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Haven't had a traffic infraction for over 15 years -- too bad as it spoils my good track record. Hopefully the Ins Co. will be nice to me. Ah well, as things go it's an easy thing to put behind you considering all the other nasty things that can happen to a person. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Stayed at the Pickwick Hotel for 7 nights in San Francisco -- managed to get an excellent rate of $55/night plus underground parking. The Nav System got me around very nicely in the city as well.
Hey, you now have Arny as your Governor -- what do you think?
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (barrysharp @ Oct. 08 2003,02:27)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Returning home from Crater Lake, Oregon today and wanting to get home to Seattle at a reasonable hour I pushed the XC70 along Highway 97 just south of Bend. ... and before I had time to check the State Patrol was hounding me. Was clocked at 104 mph ...[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I was stopped in that same area on 9/11 last year for speeding in our V70XC. Didn't have the radar detector on as we had stopped in Sunriver for dinner and didn't have far to go. A very stern officer lectured me at length on my driving and the dangers on this section of highway and then disappeared for what seemed like a unusually long time. He returned, handed me the citation, and wished me a safe journey home. On the ticket was a big "X" and "Happy Birthday." Can't lose 'em all, I guess.
BTW, what is the fine for 104 mph? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/nervous.gif Not that I'll ever go that fast. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
xclogan
10-08-2003, 04:18 PM
I can hear the Law Enforcement officials and court people now when you show up in court and they ask what kind of a car you were driving...."But Judge, it's only a little old Volvo Stationwagon http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif !!!!!!!!"
I can hear them now....LOL Maybe you can plea that the cop and his radar were defective...Really a Volvo going that fast? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/music.gif Who would have thought? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif
Check your e-mail Barry...
barrysharp
10-08-2003, 09:02 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Big @ Oct. 08 2003,14:03)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">BTW, what is the fine for 104 mph? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/nervous.gif Not that I'll ever go that fast. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
The Officer's citation ticket shows a base fine amount of $421. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif I intend to submit a No Contest plea together with the fine amount and an explanation stating I had just completed overtaking a string of 4 cars that were traveling at around 50 mph along a straight stretch of road and was having to speed to avoid oncoming traffic. If the court so decides they will keep all of part of the base fine amount and return any difference to me.
William
10-08-2003, 10:59 PM
Gosh Barry,
It could have been worse...
think how much faster might
have been going if you were in your R?
William
budrichard
10-09-2003, 01:36 PM
You need a Valentine 1 and a CB! -Dick
barrysharp
10-09-2003, 09:54 PM
The $421 speeding fine might serve as a warning to other XC70 owners. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif It certainly has subdued me some. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/exclamation.gif
Compared to how the authorities penalize speeders in Finland, I'd say we're pretty lucky dogs over here!
http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
Nokia Exec Sets Record Speeding Fine (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/1759791.stm)
Gundo
10-11-2003, 08:49 PM
$104,000 TRAFFIC FINE!!!
Income based traffic ticket fines?
You've got to be kidding me.
But I can see the rationale - think of all the idiots driving like bigger idiots in their overpowered cars with more money than brains.
Wouldn't it be great to drive around and see all the high priced, high hp, European iron driving the speed limit?
And if you didn't know you were going 104, you certainly deserve a ticket, and a large one. The XC is not exactly great at emergency maneuvers at those speeds. Folks driving those speeds tend not to be aware of what the closing rates and stopping distances are at when travelling 2X the speed limit.
Filibuster
10-12-2003, 03:39 AM
In germany people regularly drive at over 110 mph on crowded highways in far worse cars than the xc70 and fatal accidents are few. Highway driving is very safe.
Gundo
10-12-2003, 05:07 AM
Highway driving is definitely safe in Germany, no question. In fact, if US drivers had to go through German licensing standards we would all be better off.
Avid Edit
10-12-2003, 11:15 AM
Barry,
Try western Kansas or western Nebraska. NOT on
the interstate. just completed a 5k round trip and was able to cruise effortlessly at or above 100mph for sustained periods.
Radar dectector went off twice from troopers, the rest from
"your speed is..." signs.
Just love watching the gas vanish from the tank.Anyway,
milage at posted limits was impressive, and when I milked it I swear I broke 30mpg...no lie.
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (fly by day @ Oct. 12 2003,03:39)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">In germany people regularly drive at over 110 mph on crowded highways in far worse cars than the xc70 and fatal accidents are few. Highway driving is very safe.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
The different highway designs and laws also affect safety. Highway 97 where Barry was ticketed is notorious for crashes year-round. It is 2 lanes through a tunnel of trees for long stretches and has lots of truck traffic. Head-ons seem to happen once or twice every year. The winter is real fun when drivers speed from dry to icy sections. No easy solutions but driver error, drinking and lax enforcement (notwithstanding Barry's experience) contribute to the problem.
SpudRacer
10-12-2003, 12:57 PM
I think we are ALL being a little too hard on Barry.
I doubt there is one among us who hasn't gone that fast or faster on a public road. Let he who has never done so, be the first to accuse Barry.
I, personally, have gone OVER 180mph on public roads both in Michigan and Texas. Stupid? Of course. Do I still do it? No.
In my Cherokee, when I am trying to pass people, I don't get up to 104mph, but only because I need a 502 cubic inch big block under my hood. If I could, I probably would, to get the pass done quicker. We weren't there, we don't know the conditions at the time. Barry was there, and I seriously doubt he would have gone that fast had he thought it was unsafe.
We all have different driving experience and driving styles, and driving opinions. Let's not judge each other.
For those frowning on Barry, go back and read the thousands of his posts here in the forum. He is a STRONG advocate for safety. He is not perfect, so don't expect him to be.
That's all I have to say.
Drive on, safely http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Tom
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (SpudRacer @ Oct. 12 2003,12:57)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I think we are ALL being a little too hard on Barry.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Barry is a good sport. Afterall, he didn't have to tell us! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif My wife thinks he read mph as km/h; 104 km/h is only 65 mph, a mere 10 mph over the posted speed there.
And I forgot to mention the animal hits on that highway which crosses some major deer and elk routes. Ever hit an elk at highway speed? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif
SpudRacer
10-12-2003, 08:37 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Ever hit an elk at highway speed?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Nope, in fact, I've never even seen an elk. But I lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (Marquette) for 12 years, and deer in the road, there, are as common as flies on a corpse.
Watchful eyes (including mine), pure repetitive luck, and incredibly fast reaction times combined with years of stock car driving experience all added up to no hits in over 12 years. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/lookaround.gif
On the other hand, I've seen many injured and killed people, since beginning my new career, who HAVE hit deer, http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif and my advise is to hit the brakes and duck. Do NOT swerve!!!!!!!
Respectfully,
Tom
methos
10-12-2003, 08:47 PM
I got a ticket just north of Bend back in February! 78 in a 55, cost me $175. It was within the first 2000 miles of our new pre-owned XC. That road really should be at least 65, maybe 70. Sure took the fun out of the rest of the trip, couldn't afford to get caught again, had to set the cruise at 58... radar detectors are cheeper... Seems to me the slower speeds cause more lookey loo's and inattention... course, more money goes into the local economy http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (methos @ Oct. 12 2003,20:47)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I got a ticket just north of Bend back in February! 78 in a 55, cost me $175. It was within the first 2000 miles of our new pre-owned XC. That road really should be at least 65, maybe 70. Sure took the fun out of the rest of the trip, couldn't afford to get caught again, had to set the cruise at 58... radar detectors are cheeper... Seems to me the slower speeds cause more lookey loo's and inattention... course, more money goes into the local economy http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Sorry to hear that. Enforcement around here is sporadic and often is in response to bad weather, construction or high accident areas. Certainly, speeding in winter is not advised. The posted speed is basically advisory; actual speed of 65 is pretty common on many highways and 70+ on the interstates. Oregon has what's called the "Basic Rule" which means the appropriate speed for the conditions, so you can get ticketed for doing 50 on the highway or ignored when doing 65, it just depends. But 78 or 104--not many excuses there! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif
And this just in: In an effort to shore up the state's public safety budget, Legislature raised the minimum amounts levied for speeding tickets and eliminated judges' ability to reduce fines. The law has drawn criticism from some on the bench.
Gundo
10-15-2003, 07:07 PM
Spuds - 180 on a public road? What were you in? My max is 155 - in my 944 Turbo. Might not have been that fast 'cause P cars are notorious for having speedo's that read high at high speeds.
As for hitting animals, check this out. Its not me, but is quite similar to an accident I saw just the other day. Here in CT, deer are everywhere - and being aware has saved me more than once.
The best rule to follow is that if you see one, there are guaranteed to be more. Many times I've slowed after seeing one, just to have another jump out.
http://community.webshots.com/s/image2/1/63/28/51416328ZyKSmo_ph.jpg
http://community.webshots.com/s/image2/1/61/82/51416182JakpjO_ph.jpg
SpudRacer
10-15-2003, 07:15 PM
I was riding a Kawasaki ZX-11. I was able to hit 183 (indicated) in Michigan, but up to 186 (indicated) in Texas.
My life is worth much more to me now! That old me is dead, I am now the new me who buys station wagons. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Tom
P.S. I DID have an accident at 110 mph with a skull fracture in 2001, but had an almost complete recovery.
mox575
10-15-2003, 07:56 PM
You were very lucky, Barry, to have kept your license. 20 MPH over the speed limit is considered reckless driving and they can take the license and impound the car (At least in California).
126MPH is my max in a 1973 240Z. Those bends in the roads get pretty sharp at that speed. Can't even imagine 180+ on a bike. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif
barrysharp
10-16-2003, 07:14 AM
Overtaking a string of 4 cars on a straight empty road starting at around 50 mph takes little effort/time to get up to 100 mph in the XC70. I simply presumed I was unlucky as I re-entered my side of the road at the 104 mph with the SP's radar pointing at me. At no time was there danger to anyone. I simply took too long slowing down to the speed limit. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
The SP was very polite, wanted to know what MANX-1 stood for, said "Hmmm -- a Volvo! -- what model year?", "just need a few details and you can then be on your way.", issued the ticket quickly, smiled and got back into his car. Ticket simply says 104 mph and no indication of me having driven recklessly.
With four on board we simply decided to split the fine 4-ways. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
My friends from UK say that people regularly do a ton on the UK motorways and the police only really enforce the speed limits when traffic is light.
The problem with US Interstate highways is that the vast amount of them are ONLY two lanes. They should be three -- slow lane for trucks etc, middle one for cruising, fast one for overtaking.
Drive safely. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Years ago when I received a ticket for speeding (passing-as you did), I was told that over the limit means over even in passing you are in the wrong. Of course this is the letter of the law and most would not enforce it for passing if passing was within 10mph.
littlewaywelt
10-16-2003, 08:43 AM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (barrysharp @ Oct. 16 2003,10:14)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Ticket simply says 104 mph and no indication of me having driven recklessly.
With four on board we simply decided to split the fine 4-ways. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
That's extremely cool. In a lot of states, more than 20mph over is an automatic reckless driving. In PA, I am pretty sure that one can be arrested for over 100mph at the officer's discretion. It sounds like your officer was either a Volvo fan or simply a nice guy.
Split the ticket? Wow, I want to hang out with your friends. In all of my speeding tickets (none since reading the book "A Speeder's Guide to Avoiding Tickets" -even talked my way out of a 100+mph ticket in Vermont) no one in my car has ever offered to split the fine.
I think one of my favorite things about the XC is the great highway passing power and merging power.
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (barrysharp @ Oct. 16 2003,07:14)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The problem with US Interstate highways is that the vast amount of them are ONLY two lanes. They should be three -- slow lane for trucks etc, middle one for cruising, fast one for overtaking.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Adding lanes for the high-speed through traveler is hard to justify. Besides the quandary that no one is willing to pay for such infrastructure, there are many unintended consequences such as increased fuel use, more high-speed crashes, increased freight traffic, and what to do with these highways in built-up areas.
Same thing with the non-Interstate highways like U.S. 97 through Central Oregon where you got pulled over. It's a highway of contrasts that has sections of 2-lane, 4-lane and 4-lane divided road in both rural and urban settings. The driver has to be alert to the changing conditions rather than just put their head down and go. Time travel studies from Washington-to-California show that there is little to be gained by trying to force the slow points.
Gundo
10-16-2003, 05:30 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Was clocked at 104 mph which simply amazed me as I sure didn't notice my speed.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I think this is what set everybody off. The fact that your first quote mentioned you were not aware of your speed...at 104, that is an issue.
barrysharp
10-16-2003, 05:40 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Gundo @ Oct. 16 2003,17:30)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Was clocked at 104 mph which simply amazed me as I sure didn't notice my speed.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I think this is what set everybody off. The fact that your first quote mentioned you were not aware of your speed...at 104, that is an issue.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Yes -- I guess that was misleading. When over taking one seldom looks at the speedometer -- you simply press down hard, lookm ahead and go -- and in my case the 'go' finished up at around 104 mph. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif The XC has the behaviour of not imparting a sense of high speed to its occupants -- at least for me this was true.
barrysharp
11-22-2003, 10:17 AM
FYI.
I wrote a letter to the court explaining the speeding circumstance and they were nice enough to reduce the fine by $105. Just goes to show it's worth the time to take time to write (beg) and ask for forgiveness. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
I guess congrats are in order, Barry. Well done! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I'm a bit perplexed though at how one "explains" speeding, but good onya, mate! As I learned early on...it's easier to seek forgiveness than permission (Excuse me, officer, do you mind if I see just how fast my XC70 can go? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif )
I fear the day when I return to the highways of Maryland and the DC Beltway after having driven in Germany all these years!If there are any good lawyers out there, I can probably guarantee you some business. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
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