North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

The "85 mph tree" incident in Dade County in 1979 is attributed to CB radio transmitter interference. This refers to an incident where the speed readings of vehicles were inaccurately recorded due to interference from a nearby CB radio transmitter. The malfunction occurred when the radar device, used by law enforcement for speed enforcement, misinterpreted the signals, leading to exaggerated speed readings that suggested vehicles were traveling at implausibly high speeds, such as 85 mph for a stationary object like a tree.

During this incident, the radar equipment failed to accurately capture the speed of vehicles, highlighting the importance of proper equipment functioning and the potential technical difficulties that can arise in law enforcement measurements. Understanding the implications of such interference is crucial for law enforcement officers and technicians in ensuring accuracy in speed enforcement technology.