What can lead to inaccuracies in RADAR speed detection?

Inaccuracies in RADAR speed detection can be influenced by a variety of factors, and recognizing that "all of the above" contributes to these inaccuracies is critical for understanding the nuances of RADAR operation.

Weather conditions can affect RADAR performance significantly. For example, rain, fog, or snow can scatter the RADAR waves, leading to erroneous readings. These atmospheric conditions might not only reduce visibility but can also cause the signal to reflect unpredictably, which in turn distorts the speed measurements taken by the RADAR unit.

The angle of the device is another crucial factor. When a RADAR gun is not pointed directly at the target vehicle (for instance, if it is at a significant angle), it may estimate an incorrect speed due to the cosine effect, where the effective speed measured is less than the actual speed of the target. An improper angle can lead to miscalculating how quickly an object is actually moving relative to the stationary position of the RADAR device.

Additionally, while the characteristics of the target object alone can provide some context, they do not encompass the range of factors that can affect readings. The combination of differing weather conditions and the alignment of the RADAR device with the target makes "all of the above" an accurate statement regarding