North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

What is the significance of using a "short" range setting in RADAR technology?

1. It captures high-speed vehicles only

2. It provides reasonable target selectivity

3. It increases the area of detection

4. It is less effective on highways

The correct answer is: It provides reasonable target selectivity

Using a "short" range setting in RADAR technology is significant because it provides reasonable target selectivity. This setting allows the RADAR system to focus on a smaller area, thereby improving the precision with which it can detect and identify individual vehicles. By narrowing the detection field, the system minimizes the likelihood of detecting unrelated targets or background noise, which can occur when the range is set too broadly. Handling a focused range is particularly beneficial in environments where there may be numerous vehicles in close proximity, allowing law enforcement to better assess speed and potentially identify traffic violations. Other settings, like a long-range option, might capture more overall data but would not provide the same level of accuracy when it comes to distinguishing between vehicles that are close together. This selectivity is essential for ensuring that the RADAR system's readings are reliable and that law enforcement can effectively manage traffic enforcement, making the short range setting an advantageous feature in certain situations.