Being Seen
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
I don’t use one. Lately I’ve been turning on my high beam (when I think about it) when I approach congested areas.
Does it really matter all that much, I don’t know. I go down the road with the headlight on, the spots on and wearing a florescent green vest (they make us wear them on base) and the zombies still act like I’m not there…
Does it really matter all that much, I don’t know. I go down the road with the headlight on, the spots on and wearing a florescent green vest (they make us wear them on base) and the zombies still act like I’m not there…
Last edited by MADHOG; Feb 29, 2012 at 12:48 PM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 907
Likes: 8
From: Greeneville, TN
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 5
From: Batesville Ga
Bottom line is there are no credible studies demonstrating that modulating headlights or tail/brake lights, high beams, or loud pipes improve your odds of being noticed one whit. So opting for any of those is really a matter of personal taste. My only worry is that they may provide some with a false sense of security.
As the article on motion points out, the human eye is attracted to movement. If you're heading straight on at a vehicle coming at you, there is no perceived motion, so you may not be seen. My tactic is to use my entire lane - I'll swerve back and forth like Brad Wesley in Road House (but in my lane). I'll wave - at the oncoming driver, at a pedestrian, at a tree, whatever - moving my arm left to right over my head. I've been known to turn on a turn signal with no intention of turning if my instinct says the other driver still doesn't know I'm there.
Most cagers (and some bikers) rarely drive past their hood ornaments. The texter/cellphoners aren't driving past their steering wheel. The best protection is active riding, constantly scanning for threats and taking appropriate countermeasures.
As the article on motion points out, the human eye is attracted to movement. If you're heading straight on at a vehicle coming at you, there is no perceived motion, so you may not be seen. My tactic is to use my entire lane - I'll swerve back and forth like Brad Wesley in Road House (but in my lane). I'll wave - at the oncoming driver, at a pedestrian, at a tree, whatever - moving my arm left to right over my head. I've been known to turn on a turn signal with no intention of turning if my instinct says the other driver still doesn't know I'm there.
Most cagers (and some bikers) rarely drive past their hood ornaments. The texter/cellphoners aren't driving past their steering wheel. The best protection is active riding, constantly scanning for threats and taking appropriate countermeasures.
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