There are at least 5 factors that I constantly use to lower my profile:
1. Radar detector
2. Waze
3. Seeing whats ahead
4. Having a car ahead of you.
5. General local knowledge/situational awareness/paying attention.

So I'm buzzing along I-94, and I see that 1, 2, and 5 are in place, but 3 and 4 were missing. I was feeling saucy, so as I was coming up over a small hill, I took a chance and held my speed slightly above the recommended allowance.

Just as I crest the hill, bam, there is a State Trooper, waiting in the turnaround. Too late to slow down. Detector never went off, nothing on Waze. I slow down, pass him up, and sure enough, he pulls out. Lesson learned, hold to the 5!

Good news, he pulled out, got onto the highway, and then got in the right lane and took the next exit! Whew! I guess he didn't have his radar out and had to attend to something else.

Just because your detector isn't going off or there is nothing on Waze does not mean Leo isn't lurking around the next corner.

 

You forgot number 6.

Praying to god there are no cops when you step on it.

 

Great Advice.. You're lucky and no matter what we do if we're the only ones on the road there is nothing we can do against instant on.. Just have to be aware of our surroundings on the roadways.. Glad it ended well for you!!!

 

I fear the cruisers who pace you in moderate traffic.
No radar, not on Waze.
Becoming common on the NJ Garden State Parkway.
Situational awareness is key.