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Hazard lights.

6K views 32 replies 25 participants last post by  teevee 
#1 ·
This year my bike was totaled when I was hit from behind while sitting at a light. I now am alert to watching my back at all times but especially when coming to a stop or just sitting still in traffic as cars come up behind me.

I've recently been experimenting and started using my hazards as I come to a stop, especially on rainy nights. I actually had a driver next to me roll down his window to tell me my flashers were on. I felt like it comfirmed that I was getting people's attention even if I looked like a dork. I've noticed that drivers tend to not get as close to me either when they approach from behind.

I'm wondering if anyone else has tried using their flashers as a way to be more visible in normal driving situations or if their may be a negative downside I'm unconscious of?

Thanks.
 
#2 ·
lights

No, I haven't been paying as much attention as I should when stopping. It is something that I used to be better at. I am trying to keep a better eye on what is behind me. I have been thinking of putting on Hyper Lights. I have seen them on the street and they are very impressive. Does anyone know if they are difficult to install? I thought I read that Eastern Beaver makes something that makes it easier. Is that true? Thanks
 
#3 ·
Whenever I'm stopped at traffic lights or an intersection I flash my brake lights continually until I move off again.

It is a simple matter of developing the habit of lightly applying the front brake on and off to activate the brake light.

The only time this can't be done is on steep hills where I can't hold the bike stationary with my feet [hazard lights would be a good option then, I will try it].

I also keep myself off to one side or the other of the lane I'm in, then I can move even if there is a vehicle in front of me by going down the side of it and hopefully out of danger if an approaching vehicle is coming up behind me too fast.
 
#5 ·
I also keep myself off to one side or the other of the lane I'm in
Both to be set up for the escape route you mention and to provide another visual clue to the following driver that you are not merely an ornament on the trunk (boot) of the car ahead. Don't sit in the center behind a car either stopped or moving.

There are a couple of brands of flashing brake lights. Hyperlites is one excellent brand. They are hard to miss if the driver behind is looking anywhere close to you.
 
#6 ·
I usually will tap on bake lights when stopped if I seen anyone coming that might not see me. The closer they get tha faster I do it. When there are big slowdowns on the highway I will always hit my 4-ways whether on bike or in car. I have scene many pileups in my comute but so far been fortunate to not be a part of them.

If you can, it is always a good idea to have an escape route. Avoid pulling up close to the car in front of you but rather stay back enough that you can move if you have the need. I leave my bike in gear and watch my back continuously until there are at least three cars behind me that are stopped.

..Tom
 
#7 ·
I watch my 6 when I stop. I have extra LED lights on my cases that are hooked up to a brake light modulator. I had a LEO on a bike tell me that it made me quite a bit more noticeable. I don't rely on my brake lights I keep a close watch on whats going on around me. But every bit helps.
 
#8 ·
As others above, I keep an eye on my mirrors and flash my brake light a few times as someone approaches behind me. Now I need to install more conspicuous brake lights to my rear cases.

After watching this video: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151396876272507
I'm considering more moving to the side of the road, specially when stopped at "unusual" spots/situations.
 
#9 ·
This has nothing to do with riding proficiency. How long before there is a poll on starting a safety forum? Moved to the general forum.
 
#11 ·
I have a set of red hyperlights Which flash for 5 seconds before they go solid. I love them. They are mounted to the sides of the tail rack and were dirt simple to wire in. Many times I will watch a vehicle approach me from the rear at a stop light. When they get as close to me as I'm comfortable with, I release and then squeeze the front brake and the vehicle stops as soon at they start to flash.
 
#12 ·
A couple points:

1) +1 on dabbing your brakes so yes to provide additional signal to driver coming to a rest.

2) leave in gear and be ready to go - i tried to do that until there is at least 2 cars stopped behind me.

3) By all means plan an escape route, but beware that that might be so the escaped routes of vehicles behind you and that one performing emergency braking because it doesnt want to hit you.
 
#13 · (Edited)
I have Hyperlites on the Wee, and both bikes have extra taillights and brakes lights with modulators. I don't use my hazard lights at regular intersections, but whenever I have to stop in a traffic lane behind a line of cars (usually because someone needs to turn left and is waiting for opposing traffic) I turn on the yellow hazard blinkers. I do this because flashing yellow gets drivers' attention in that situation better than red brake lights on the bike which can get lost in the "clutter" of all the other red brake lights from the cars. I also have the reflective 3-M tape that is black during daylight and white when headlights hit it. You can't be too visible.

Here's a pic of my Connie from behind:
 

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#15 ·
I run the P-3 modulating brake light set (which I prefer to Hyperlights, and yes I have had both) as well as the Add More Lighting kit in my Givi side cases and top box. I frequently check my 6, and when I see a vehicle coming up behind me, I tap and hold the brake once and it starts the flashing cycle again.

None of this is any good if the other driver has their head where the sun does not shine.

I know I need to do a better job with keeping an escape route at EVERY stop...thanks for the reminder.
 
#18 ·
Not a skill or a technique but a device.
 
#19 ·
I have flashing LED 1157s that repeat after a minute of the brake being on, plus Skene P3s and I'll flash my hazards for the first car to come up behind me if I've been at a light for a while or if traffic flow is a bit fast. I need to work on maintaining an escape route more often though, that's slipped my mind for some reason.
 
#22 ·
This is a great tip, no matter where it has been posted.(Where you put it was a good place in my opinion). Judging from your experience it is a technique that you are gladly sharing with others who may not think to do it.

I used my hazards yesterday while stuck on an uphill mountain pass stopped for roadworks not to far around from a blind bend that usually encourages a fast pace for vehicles coming out of it. Being the last vehicle in line the hazards were activated and brake light flashed when I spotted approaching vehicles coming up behind. This may have helped save my life as there was a cliff face one side and sheer drop on the other, so no where to really go.

To me the hazard switch is not just a device, but a technique that we should all be utilizing.
 
#24 ·
I'm wondering if anyone else has tried using their flashers as a way to be more visible in normal driving situations or if their may be a negative downside I'm unconscious of?
I've used my hazard flashers in abnormal driving situations; in particular, to warn following drivers of unexpected slowing or stopping whilst on the Interstate. I've had favorable results using this methodology when on the bike and in the truck. With that in mind, I now install brake light modulators on every motorcycle and scooter that I purchase. The modulation pattern repeats as long as the brake(s) are applied. Acting as a proxy for hazard flashers, it is very effective at increasing the following and stopped distance of the car or truck that is behind me. Jim at EB makes a harness that allows for plug-n-play installation of the module on the V-Strom.

1. Signal Dynamics | Signal Dynamics Corporation 1-800-785-1814 | Motorcycle Safety Lights | Break Light Signal Module | Motorcycle LED Lighting | Signal Dynamics - Creator of BackOFF

2. VStrom
 
#27 ·
I really like the HyperLites for added visibility. The Eastern Beaver connector makes them very simple to install, too. The instructions said something about taking off the tail end of the bike to run the wiring, which I was dreading- the SWMotech side racks and topcase plate would've complicated that job for sure! However, none of that was necessary and it was very straightforward. Honestly I think the HyperLites (one 16-LED bar mounted just under the license plate) are quite a bit more noticeable than the actual stock tail light. :thumbup:
 
#28 · (Edited)
Getting smacked from behind is by far my biggest fear while riding a motorcycle. I've had the Hyperlites installed on my other bike for several years and close up, they do grab attention much better then just having the stock brake light setup. The main issue I found,(and others have mentioned from another bike forum), is that they tend to get lost while viewed from a distance. I had a buddy of mine ride my bike to the end of my street and it was confirmed, the stock brake light was much easier to see than the tiny Hyperlites, viewed from several yards back.

Some forum members from my Concours site have been installing Whelen TIR3 or LIN3's as an auxiliary brake light. These are the same lights you see on emergency vehicles that flash really quick to get your attention in the rear view mirror. I've have one on my DL now for three years and it's very, very effective in getting noticed from behind. I was a little hesitant about installing it as they are designed for emergency vehicles and are very bright. I posed the idea to a motorcycle policeman at a Toy for Tots meat and he said as long as it's used as an aux brake light, it shouldn't be an issue with the law. Three years later and it's still very effective.
http://youtu.be/N1l7qi2STpI
BTW: Please check with local law enforcement to see if this mod is legal in your state.
 
#29 ·
all great except strobes have been known to induce seizures...just what you want to do to the guy behind you wrapped in 2 tons of steel...
 
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