Oops I left the indicators on !!!

[Naki Rat]

In the process of visiting friends on Boxing Day, as one does, I had a spot of brain fade and left my left hand indicator on. Next intersection (on my left) sees an oncoming car turning in front of me presuming he had the right of way - ISN'T THAT ROAD RULE A DOOZEY - and yours truly takes major evasive action and has the shit scared out of him (including waking up the missus behind me).

Not the first time I have forgotten to cancel indicators but definitely the most dramatic.

I've been giving the situation a bit of thought as well as reading a post on this subject which promoted fitting LEDs as extra 'indicator indicators'. My idea is to use a small transmitter similar to the FM kits that are now available which enable IPODs to 'broadcast' to nearby radios. Little transmitter then transmits "beep-beep" or whatever to a receiving unit fitted in the rider's helmet and Bob's your aunty.

All sounds good in practice but that is about the limit of my electronic knowledge so has anybody out there got the time/skills/inclination to run with this one?

:Oops:

[wilber]

Must be something easier than led's ,a timer of some sort would more easily installed ,would need 2 extra wire to indicator switch must look into it as I have had similar problem.

[cowboyz]

or a change of habit. Cheaper and full proof. I don't take my thumb off the indicator switch until I have finished using them. flick it left (to turn left) and leave your thumb over it. When turned press button to cancel the indicator. That is when I bother sing them at all. I tend to let cars to their own thing on the road and I ride around them.

[Waylander]

I find it funny how my 1985 bike has self canceling indicators but alot of the newer bikes don't...

[Grub]

ok, i'll bite.

How does the self-cancelling work?

[Naki Rat]

I find it funny how my 1985 bike has self canceling indicators but alot of the newer bikes don't...

Ditto for the RD400 I had many moons ago, and I'm told that Hogly Fergusons have a self cancelling system.

[Waylander]

Hell if I know but more than likely it's on a timer as Wilber suggested.

[Naki Rat]

ok, i'll bite.

How does the self-cancelling work?

My RD400 worked by timing out after 20 seconds from memory.

[Indiana_Jones]

I press in my indicator button every now and then, just incase.

-Indy

[Kornholio]

ok, i'll bite.

How does the self-cancelling work?

Dont get him started dude, you'll never hear the end of it :sick:

[iwilde]

Hook it up to an electric dog collar around apart of your body. You either will learn very quickly to cancel it or maybe enjoy not canceling it?

[avgas]

hehe dont worry, it a john bloor triumph thing.
everyone does it

[Motu]

What colour is your dash indicator lamp? My Yamaha's have an orange one,which I thought was pretty weird after years of green ones - but it really stands out and I tend to notice it more than green.

[onearmedbandit]

I find it funny how my 1985 bike has self canceling indicators but alot of the newer bikes don't...


Yeah, it's called a 'failed idea'. Ever wonder why it didn't appeal to the mass market?

[Waylander]

Yeah, it's called a 'failed idea'. Ever wonder why it didn't appeal to the mass market?
Failed? Seems to work fine on my Vmax. And on my Virago before that and my CMX250 before that.

[onearmedbandit]

If it is such a good idea how come it isn't seen on most bikes? Surely if a feature that all bikes have could be improved simply then why hasn't it been done. Probably because it isn't such an issue, and the two methods I'm aware of have flaws (one being the timer method, the other being a lean sensor of sorts). Hey if it works for you great, but you asked the question.

[Naki Rat]

What colour is your dash indicator lamp? My Yamaha's have an orange one,which I thought was pretty weird after years of green ones - but it really stands out and I tend to notice it more than green.

The dash indicator is green but as I discivered yesterday is hard to see when riding away from the sun (with sun shining on the instruments), and besides checking requires shifting your focus for long enough to make sure the indicator is off and not just between flashes (am I starting to be paranoid??).

[kneescraper]

Just wire in a 555 chip, it is a timer IC which can be set up to do the job you require...I've got tones of 555 chips at work and can prob make you up a circut no probs. Quite simple really....well when you are in the electronic trade any ways....give me a PM if you want. I am a communications tech so if you need help with those low power FM transmitters for ya helmet give me a PM.

[Waylander]

If it is such a good idea how come it isn't seen on most bikes? Surely if a feature that all bikes have could be improved simply then why hasn't it been done. Probably because it isn't such an issue, and the two methods I'm aware of have flaws (one being the timer method, the other being a lean sensor of sorts). Hey if it works for you great, but you asked the question.
Maybe bike manufacturers are too lazy to worry about getting all the bugs out of the system? Hell if I know man, I still cover the switch anyway, though more cause it turns itself off before I've had a chance to turn.

[onearmedbandit]

Maybe, who knows? How does it work on the V-Max?

[Waylander]

Probably a timer as I've said, cause it shuts off sometimes before I've even turned. I don't use them often for right or left turns though unless at a roundabout. Mainly use them for lane changes when I just shut them off soon as I'm in the next lane anyway.

[Ixion]

BMW has self cancelling indicators. They cancel after X seconds, or Y metres, but the seconds counter doesn't count down under some low speed. So they don't turn themselves off while you are stationary at the lights. But I usually cancel them manually. Cos I'm like that. I do that in the car, too.

[Motu]

My Pajero doesn't need indicators.They told us at SUV training school never to use our indicators or mirrors.

[scumdog]

BMW has self cancelling indicators. They cancel after X seconds, or Y metres, but the seconds counter doesn't count down under some low speed. So they don't turn themselves off while you are stationary at the lights. But I usually cancel them manually. Cos I'm like that. I do that in the car, too.

My last two Hogs have been like that too.

On a timer while your moving but stay on while you are at stand-still, from memory they blink about 10 or so times while mobile (like after overtaking) before cancelling.

You can still manually cancel them

[Fat Tony]

The only thing I like about the indicators being housed in the mirrors on my 750k6 is that you often notice them blinking in your peripheral vision, unless riding with chest on tank of course, or in bright daylight, OK so it's not that much use afterall then :)

[iwilde]

My Pajero doesn't need indicators.They told us at SUV training school never to use our indicators or mirrors.

Like all Pajero's and other urban tractors!

[betti]

we had a simple little system on the learner bikes when instructing back in the Uk , just wire another indicator in but upright above the clocks, that flashes when either indicator is on, doesn't look the best, but certainly stopped our learners forgetting to cancel.

[pritch]

I don't take my thumb off the indicator switch until I have finished using them.

That's good. (Worthy of bling in fact.)

Nick Ienatsch in "Sport Riding techniques" recommends that in urban riding one should check the mirror and jab the blinker switch every five seconds. He believes a lot of accidents are caused by non-cancelled blinkers and I've had enough of my own near misses to think he may be on to something.

[laRIKin]

I find it funny how my 1985 bike has self canceling indicators but alot of the newer bikes don't...


Ditto for the RD400 I had many moons ago, and I'm told that Hogly Fergusons have a self cancelling system.


ok, i'll bite.

How does the self-cancelling work?

Well on my GSX Kat it worked of the trip meter, .2 of a Km and it turned off.

[Grahameeboy]

Must admit it has become second nature turning off indicators but sometimes I think I have turned them off but with gloves I can sometimes not do it properly.
Even in the car I cancel myself.

[Kickaha]

Well on my GSX Kat it worked of the trip meter, .2 of a Km and it turned off.

XJ550 works the same way because if you disconnect the speedo the self canceling doesn't work

[davereid]

The self cancelling system on the hogley is actually very good. It will wait all day if you are stationary at the lights or whatever, but cancels quickly if you ride away. Far as I can tell, it cancels ;
Never if you are stationary
30 secs if moving
as soon as you do a gear change

When I ride my other bikes I leave indicators on all the time now - it pisses me off. Often I will use hand signal just to avoid it. !

Maybe a loud beeper that doesnt go if the neutral light is on, so I dont sit at the lights beeping..

[Oakie]

I have the same problem. This was the solution I came up with.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=13894

[davereid]

Yeak Oakie, I blame Harley Davidson. Until I got self cancelling indicators I NEVER forgot them. Now I never remember them.
Or is it old age.. hmmm

[The Stranger]

My RD400 worked by timing out after 20 seconds from memory.

So it self cancels when sitting at a red light then?

[quickbuck]

In the process of visiting friends on Boxing Day, as one does, I had a spot of brain fade and left my left hand indicator on. Next [I][I]intersection (on my left) sees an oncoming car turning in front of me presuming he had the right of way




IMHO that was a very dumb thing for the cager to do.

Yes, bike was indicating left.
Yes, car indicating right.
Yes, IAW road code, car has right of way if both vehicles are turning onto the same part of the road.

HOWEVER what say bike was indicating to turn into the car park just after the intersection?
Or, as in this case, it is obvious that the bike has left his indicator on, as is has been flashing for ages.

Myself, if turning right I don't dare move until I am sure the left turning vehicle is turning left. If they are they will stop! Or, not.
Either way my bike (or car) remain intact.

Sorry if this has been covered, just had to let it out while it was fresh in my mind.

[quickbuck]

I am one of those who press the canceller every so often. Especially when approaching intersections that I don't intend to change direction.

One thing I am thinking of introducing on my group rides this year, is a shout of the bar (just for the group) for anybody who leaves their indicator on when they are not intending to turn.

Of course, the shout is after the bikes are put away.

I think this will help with the education. (Or at least I won't have to buy beer for a while/ or until everybody makes it a habit).

[Naki Rat]

Components coming together nicely for a wireless, helmet housed, indicator alert system. Watch this spot....

[Lou Girardin]

Strangely enough, if you do turn in front of a vehicle with it's indicator going but travelling straight through, you are guilty of failing to give way.
Case law says you MUST be certain the vehicle is turning before you can assume right of way.

[TLDV8]

What colour is your dash indicator lamp? My Yamaha's have an orange one,which I thought was pretty weird after years of green ones - but it really stands out and I tend to notice it more than green.

I think that hits the nail on the head.
The TL has a green light that in a lot of daylight conditions can not be seen,not to mention it is not in the direct line of site compared to a more upright seated bike.
It probably wouldn't be that hard to rig up a remote light/beeper that could not be missed.
Strange how some car drivers have no problem second guessing a bike but they wouldn't do it if it was a truck.
In that situation i do not move until the left turning vehicle has made a positive move to actually doing it.
A lot better than something trying to come through the drivers door.

[DougieNZ]

Strangely enough, if you do turn in front of a vehicle with it's indicator going but travelling straight through, you are guilty of failing to give way.
Case law says you MUST be certain the vehicle is turning before you can assume right of way.

Bloody hell Lou - that's a bit of a surprise! I could be caught out there many times. What if they are in a turning lane? probably that would give you enough evidence to proceed if they had an indicator on?


As for the leaving the indicator on thing - I am pretty bad at that as my view of the flashing light is obscured slightly on the ST (or maybe I'm too busy watching the road). Solution - a couple of beepers from DSE for 10 bucks each... problem solved!:third:

I do get some strange looks now though... :shit:

[Flyingpony]

Yip that'll be a fright and a half!

I'm in the habit of pushing the indicator cancel button immediately after exiting a corner, unless I know my next intersection in 40m time turns in the same direction, then I can't be bothered, too much effort.

[imdying]

What colour is your dash indicator lamp? My Yamaha's have an orange one,which I thought was pretty weird after years of green ones - but it really stands out and I tend to notice it more than green.
Funny world, I'm the other way!! The damn flashing orange low fuel light on my SV always makes me check the indicators!!!

[imdying]

Components coming together nicely for a wireless, helmet housed, indicator alert system. Watch this spot....

Hell I'm watching!!! Make sure it's somewhat expandable to add high beam and rev limit at a later date :yes:

[The Stranger]

Bloody hell Lou - that's a bit of a surprise!

Not really. If a vehicle wishes pull over and stop or say turn into a driveway just past the intersection they, in theory need to start indicating prior to the intersection. As has been said, you need to be sure they are turning before you move.

My younger brother found this out the hard way. Pulled out on a car indicating to turn left and slowing - to pull over just after the intersection as it turned out. Wrote off his car and was charged also.

[Squeak the Rat]

Which is why the give way rule used in most other countries makes sense. Vehicle turning left has the right of way, and doesn't have to guess the other drivers intentions.

[The Stranger]

Which is why the give way rule used in most other countries makes sense. Vehicle turning left has the right of way, and doesn't have to guess the other drivers intentions.


My brother pulled out of a side street on the "left turning" vehicle.

Wouldn't make a shit of a difference what give way rule applied, Lou's point remains valid - you still need to be sure the person is turning, not simply assume they are because they are indicating.

[Squeak the Rat]

Missed the bit about pulling out, thought he was turning right into the street.

You're right changing the give way rule wouldn't affect your scenario, but it would make a shitload of difference in the case of vehicles turning right into a street where the other vehicle is indicating but not intending to turn (which is what I assumed the original post was refering to).

[Ixion]

Which is why the give way rule used in most other countries makes sense. Vehicle turning left has the right of way, and doesn't have to guess the other drivers intentions.

Still wouldn't be certain. Car coming toward me indicating right. Oh good , he's turning down that side road up ahead , so I can make MY right turn . Oh shit he didn't turn , he's carried on straight ahead, toward me, he was indicating to turn further down, to my rear, and I'm right in his path and now he's hit me.

Give way rule is an absolute. You must give way. Full stop. Not "Must give way unless you think the other vehicle is doing blah". Of course we DO rely on other drivers indications of their intentions (indicators, hand signal, road positioning). But we get it wrong at our peril. If in doubt, give way.

[Naki Rat]

Hell I'm watching!!! Make sure it's somewhat expandable to add high beam and rev limit at a later date :yes:

Hmmmm. That's something I hadn't considered but definitely do-able. The rev function would require the bike to have a rev limiter fitted though. :beer:

[imdying]

Hmmmm. That's something I hadn't considered but definitely do-able. The rev function would require the bike to have a rev limiter fitted though. :beer:

If you just add an extra light that's activated by a high/low voltage trigger, I'll figure out my own rev based circuit to activate it :yes:

/edit: Even if I have to buy a shift light from repco and butcher it!

[rwh]

Strangely enough, if you do turn in front of a vehicle with it's indicator going but travelling straight through, you are guilty of failing to give way.
Case law says you MUST be certain the vehicle is turning before you can assume right of way.

Sounds fair. It's just a pity that when you're being careful like that, the car that is turning left assumes you're dithering or waiting because you don't know the rules, and gives up and goes anyway ... just at the same time you've decided you're ok :doh: (Wellingtonians: right from the Terrace into Salamanca Rd is where I usually see this)

Richard

[Naki Rat]

Sounds fair. It's just a pity that when you're being careful like that, the car that is turning left assumes you're dithering or waiting because you don't know the rules, and gives up and goes anyway ... just at the same time you've decided you're ok :doh: (Wellingtonians: right from the Terrace into Salamanca Rd is where I usually see this)

Richard
So how many examples do the lawmakers need to realise that this is one dumb and dangerous road rule. Overseas visitors can't fathom the reasoning behind it for sure.:slap:

Far better if we realigned our road rules with the rest of the world, and perhaps at the same time we could adopt the rule used in North America where it is legal to do a right hand turn (equivalent of a left for us) through a red light so long as the way is clear. How refreshing it would be to have a road rule that assumes the motorist actually has common sense! :weird:

[Moko Potaka]

I press in my indicator button every now and then, just incase.

-Indy

Im constantly pushing the indicator button just making sure its not on,its become second habit.just like kicking the stand when you take off after parking up.:done:

[pixc]

Give way rule is an absolute. You must give way. Full stop. Not "Must give way unless you think the other vehicle is doing blah".

Agreed.

Indicators are called such because it is to 'suggest' or 'demonstrate'. Its only an indication not a definate. Maybe they should have been called Definators instead.

[jim.cox]

or a change of habit. Cheaper and full proof. I don't take my thumb off the indicator switch until I have finished using them.

That is a really good idea

I will be trying that from now on

Cheers

Jim

=mjc=
.