North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

In speed measurement, what is the significance of time intervals in the Photo-Speed Recorder?

1. To improve vehicle speed accuracy

2. To maintain a consistent distance

3. To identify different speeds

4. To measure vehicle acceleration

The correct answer is: To improve vehicle speed accuracy

In speed measurement, the significance of time intervals in the Photo-Speed Recorder is pivotal because they directly contribute to the accuracy of the speed calculations. The accuracy of speed readings relies on the precise measurement of how long it takes for a vehicle to travel a certain distance. By capturing the time it takes for a vehicle to traverse a known distance, the Photo-Speed Recorder can use this information to calculate the vehicle's speed with greater precision. When time intervals are accurately recorded, they allow for an effective calculation of speed using the formula Speed = Distance/Time. Therefore, if the time intervals are precise and consistent, the resulting speed measurement becomes more reliable, ensuring that law enforcement and traffic monitoring can enforce speed regulations accurately. While maintaining a consistent distance is important for the overall setup of the speed measurement system, it is the accurate timing that fundamentally supports the correctness of the speed assessments. Identifying different speeds and measuring vehicle acceleration, while related to the broader context of speed enforcement, do not hinge specifically on the accurate time intervals in the same direct way as the calculation of speed does.