What is the primary focus of the pacing method in speed enforcement?

The primary focus of the pacing method in speed enforcement is to ensure accurate gauging of the violator's speed. This technique involves following a suspected speeding vehicle at a consistent speed to determine whether it is indeed exceeding the speed limit. By maintaining a constant speed and matching the speed of the violator, the officer can more accurately calculate how fast the other vehicle is traveling. This method relies on the officer's vehicle's speedometer, allowing for precise comparison and reliable enforcement of speed regulations.

In this context, other options would not adequately reflect the specific objectives of pacing. For example, maintaining a safe distance from the driver does not support accurate speed measurement since it may hinder the ability to keep pace effectively. Similarly, while apprehending the violator without alerting them is a tactical consideration, it is not the primary goal of the pacing method. Lastly, calculating the average speed over a long distance is more relevant to other traffic enforcement techniques rather than the immediate and precise speed measurement that pacing aims to achieve. Thus, the focus on accurate gauging makes this choice the correct one.