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What is the best method for pacing a vehicle that appears to be speeding?

  1. Compare the vehicle to the speed of traffic.

  2. Follow the vehicle and establish their speed by looking at your speedometer.

  3. Judge the vehicle by its appearance on the road based on experience.

The correct answer is: Follow the vehicle and establish their speed by looking at your speedometer.

The best method for pacing a vehicle that appears to be speeding is to follow the vehicle and establish their speed by looking at your speedometer. This method is effective because it allows the officer to directly compare their own speed with that of the suspect vehicle in real time. By maintaining a close distance to the vehicle, the officer can accurately gauge how fast the suspect is traveling, ensuring that the measurement reflects the actual speed. This method is both objective and quantifiable, which is critical for enforcement actions. Utilizing the speedometer ensures that there is empirical data to support any subsequent actions taken against the driver, which is vital in legal scenarios where traffic stops could be reviewed in court. Accurate measurement of speed is essential in establishing whether the vehicle is indeed exceeding the legal limit, which facilitates proper law enforcement procedures.