Paladin. wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:08:You asked for my opinion. I gave it. If you wanted only lauding of modulated lights you should have said so in the first place.
The brake light is to tell people behind me that I am braking. The turn signals that I intend to turn. Without these signal lights I may use hand gestures to communicate my intentions to others. In both cases my intentions cannot be know without the communication.
That I exist is evident without the added lights. Or flashy lights. The sole purpose of a headlight modulator it to distract and annoy people to let them know "I'm Here!"
This morning as I was driving my van from the barn to my work location I was being followed by a motorbike with a bright annoying headlight. The light was so annoying that it was distracting me from my forward vision. So I knocked my mirror to stop the distraction.
The light accomplished the opposite of it's intended purpose as I stopped watching and caring where that bike was.
I do not assume that I am unique. If it annoys me it will annoy others and cause resentment toward motrocylists in general. I will not do that.
In my opinion, my personal safety is 100% my responsibility. I do not expect others to see me. I do not assume that they see me until and unless I see them physically reacting to my presence.
In my opinion, modulated lights cause more harm than good -- FOR ME. I do not depend upon others to be alert drivers/riders.
Your mileage may vary.
I asked for your opionion, but I reserve the right to question your opionion and/or try to understand your reasoning.
You say " I do not expect others to see me." so does that mean that every time you signal (by hand or by stoplight) you are stopping that you brake slowly and watch (for the complete stop) in your rear view mirror to see that the vehicle behind you is stopping? Do you do this every time, or do you ever assume/expect that the vehicle will stop?
Anyway .. I agree that a headlight modulator could very well annoy other drivers. It is a concern of mine as well.
In many safety books we are told not to use our high beams during daylight especially when following closely another vehicle. YET, the headlight modulator is supposed to be used on the high beam.
I don't know how long they have been legal, but for as long as I have been driving I have NEVER seen a bike with one of these.
If after I install one of these I decide it is would be better (in the short, or long term) not to use it .. all I have to do is select my low beam.
Richard in Boston, MA, USA
Pages: 1
