What does U.S. v. Sowards indicate about uncorroborated speed opinions?

The ruling in U.S. v. Sowards highlights the limitations of uncorroborated speed opinions, particularly in situations where the observed speed difference is minimal. It establishes that such opinions lack the necessary credibility when the discrepancy in speed is slight, as minor variations can often be attributed to human error or perception flaws. This case underscores the importance of having robust, verifiable evidence to support claims about a vehicle's speed rather than relying solely on an individual’s estimation. In circumstances where speed is marginal, corroboration through reliable data, such as from a speed-measuring device, is crucial to affirm the accuracy of any speed claim made. Therefore, only significant differences in observed speed may lend themselves to reasonable interpretations without corroboration.