News, Helmet-mounted brake light makes motorcycle riders more visible (drivers, bike, slowing)
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Car drivers have benefitted from a third brake light for decades. Mounted close to eye level in the rear window, these extra brake lights are especially visible in close traffic when taillights are harder to see. Now, a similar safety feature is available for motorcycle riders.
The Whistler WHL-80 Helmet Safety Light combines a bright, self-adhesive eight-LED display that mounts to any helmet, and a wireless transmitter connected to the motorcycles wiring.
Great idea, however the larger issue with motorcyclists is that we don't always use our brakes because, in a lot of instancs, engine braking gives us all the deceleration we need. The brakes light therefore never lights up, even though we are decelerating at a rate that folks behind us need to be aware of. There are products out there that are meant to solve this issue, though, such as this one:
Great idea, however the larger issue with motorcyclists is that we don't always use our brakes because, in a lot of instancs, engine braking gives us all the deceleration we need. The brakes light therefore never lights up, even though we are decelerating at a rate that folks behind us need to be aware of. There are products out there that are meant to solve this issue, though, such as this one:
The "fix" for that whiteboyslo, is to simply tap the front or rear brake enough to turn on the brake light. It is OUR responsibility, as motorcyclists, to do everything within our power to mitigate risks. Slowing without an indication of slowing is flat out dangerous, doesn't matter if you're in a cage or on a bike (yes, I engine brake in my manual car too... probably why I have the original brake pads with 250k miles on the car and lots left to use).
I got in the habit while leading other, less experienced, riders around in a sporting fashion. I follow 'The Pace' and don't tend to use brakes, but I know that those following me needed a visual que that a corner was tighter than expected so I'd simply click on and off the brake light. It's really pretty easy to get Just the light to come on, the switch (at least for the front brake) has an audible click and recognizable feel. I use the same process LOTS when in traffic... and still, all of my accidents have been being hit from behind.
The "fix" for that whiteboyslo, is to simply tap the front or rear brake enough to turn on the brake light. It is OUR responsibility, as motorcyclists, to do everything within our power to mitigate risks. Slowing without an indication of slowing is flat out dangerous, doesn't matter if you're in a cage or on a bike
Yes, I'm aware and don't disagree. However, my point was that the light shown in the OP only works if the rider chooses to use the brake and that, in the interest of keeping the biker as safe as possible, there are other products out there that cover that 'what if'. It's be neat to see the helmet idea and the 'motion-activated' idea put together to ensure the best coverage, though a little bit of head-banging could likely lead to 'false calls'.
Great idea, however the larger issue with motorcyclists is that we don't always use our brakes because, in a lot of instancs, engine braking gives us all the deceleration we need. The brakes light therefore never lights up, even though we are decelerating at a rate that folks behind us need to be aware of. There are products out there that are meant to solve this issue, though, such as this one:
Though this is true, I would do light breaking out of safety. I want some bright ass light telling the car behind me that I am breaking.
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