LED glove “could save bikers' lives”

**JMemonic** · 15th April 2011, 21:17

Originally Posted by AllanB

My understanding was the only flashing light you can legally run are turn signals. Couple years back I was keen on getting a flashing unit for my rear brake light from the USA- the harder? longer you brake the faster the brake light flashes hopefully gaining the attention of the cars behind.

Good idea I thought.

I called LTSA and they told me it would be illegal. No flashing lights other than turn signals.

Kill-joys.

I saw a car about two weeks ago, I think it was the hospital board, that had brake lights that flashed about five times before becoming solid light, I recall there were units avaliable to do this but LTSA/NZTA or what ever they were called at the time refused to allow the use of a simple and sensible safety device.

**scumdog** · 15th April 2011, 21:23

Given the amount of leading-edge rebels on this site I'm surprised that flashing brake lights are seen as much to be concerned about legality-wise...

**Toaster** · 15th April 2011, 22:14

Originally Posted by kiwifruit

I bet a fair percentage of those motorcycles were indicating to turn left

Quite possibly. It is quite common to see bikes riding along oblivious to the fact they have failed to turn off their indicator.

**CookMySock** · 16th April 2011, 07:13

Originally Posted by scumdog

Given the amount of leading-edge rebels on this site I'm surprised that flashing brake lights are seen as much to be concerned about legality-wise...

Along with the leading edge rebels, there are also the religious do-gooder zealots who are often a lot better at hurling abuse.

**scracha** · 16th April 2011, 08:59

Originally Posted by Katiepie

I would disagree. Perheaps not to helpm been seen ON the road. But, a few weeks back I crashed my bike and went off the road. I fell down a ditch that was 3m lower than the road level. I broke my neck and back and could not move. For 5 hours I was there. As cars drove past, as did the ambulance

Mibby walking before you can run, telling someone where you're riding (if you're going somewhere remote) and carrying a mobile phone would be a far easier solution.

**MSTRS:Me** · 16th April 2011, 10:37

Originally Posted by Toaster

Quite possibly. It is quite common to see bikes riding along oblivious to the fact they have failed to turn off their indicator.

Not just bikes.
The other day, I was about to turn left from a side street (downleg of a T intersection). There were 3 cars coming from my right. The rear-most had his left indicator on. He was well to the left in his lane and travelling slightly slower than the 2 in front. Something told me to wait...and sure enough, he sailed straight on through. I gave him the international indicator-on signal. It took him another .5km and approaching the next side street to figure it out and turn the fucker off.
I was in my car, but I doubt that a non-rider would've waited...

**steve_t** · 16th April 2011, 10:43

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Not just bikes.
The other day, I was about to turn left from a side street (downleg of a T intersection). There were 3 cars coming from my right. The rear-most had his left indicator on. He was well to the left in his lane and travelling slightly slower than the 2 in front. Something told me to wait...and sure enough, he sailed straight on through. I gave him the international indicator-on signal. It took him another .5km and approaching the next side street to figure it out and turn the fucker off.
I was in my car, but I doubt that a non-rider would've waited...

What's the international indicator-on signal?

**MSTRS:Me** · 16th April 2011, 10:53

Hand up, open/close fingers repeatedly.

**steve_t** · 16th April 2011, 10:59

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Hand up, open/close fingers repeatedly.

Thought so but a cager probably thought you were waving at him

**MSTRS:Me** · 16th April 2011, 11:03

Surely not? I wasn't waggling my fingers or my eyebrows...

**Toaster** · 16th April 2011, 13:53

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Not just bikes.
The other day, I was about to turn left from a side street (downleg of a T intersection). There were 3 cars coming from my right. The rear-most had his left indicator on. He was well to the left in his lane and travelling slightly slower than the 2 in front. Something told me to wait...and sure enough, he sailed straight on through. I gave him the international indicator-on signal. It took him another .5km and approaching the next side street to figure it out and turn the fucker off.
I was in my car, but I doubt that a non-rider would've waited...

Agreed mate. I don't move until I see where the vehicle is actually going, regardless of indication or the lack thereof.

**pritch** · 16th April 2011, 18:58

I have been guilty of leaving the indicator on. Must remind myself to practice the auto cancel thing again. Shouldn't have to though, the technology must be available, my BMW had self cancelling blinkers some twenty years ago.

**scumdog** · 17th April 2011, 09:40

Originally Posted by pritch

I have been guilty of leaving the indicator on. Must remind myself to practice the auto cancel thing again. Shouldn't have to though, the technology must be available, my BMW had self cancelling blinkers some twenty years ago.

And our stone-age Harleys have them too.