Hi-viz, does it make a difference in rider visibility?

**Ocean1** · 18th September 2012, 16:48

Originally Posted by Maha

Those voting are offering thier opinion only, nothing study based.

For what it's worth my opinion matches the published research.

But then, no opinion based solely on personal experience is worth much compared to results of such comparitive studies, which represent the collective experience of many hundreds of riders.

**Matariki** · 18th September 2012, 16:48

Originally Posted by Bassmatt

This is KB, no one here offers an opinion without doing the research first!

You've got that right. I'm still trying to learn my way around the ropes here. Still, I do appreciate hearing *civilized, intelligent and well thought out* opinions.

**FJRider** · 18th September 2012, 17:09

Originally Posted by Hotkebab

.... I do appreciate hearing *civilized, intelligent and well thought out* opinions.

Enjoy them while you can. It doesn't happen often ...

**MSTRS:Me** · 18th September 2012, 17:10

Originally Posted by Hotkebab

...based on evidence...

Of which there is none - only highly subjective speculative supposition. Including that of the site's cops...

**scumdog** · 18th September 2012, 17:16

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Of which there is none - only highly subjective speculative supposition. Including that of the site's cops...

And nobody has facts to disprove our 'speculative supposition'! (Sound mad mating of some sort of midwifes tool and a proctologist medicine...

)l

**Berries** · 18th September 2012, 18:46

Originally Posted by oneofsix

Anyhow the 2 second thing is not the rule it is only a piece of helpful advice.

But with some legislation behind it, albeit less than 2 seconds.

Originally Posted by Road User Rule

5.9 Stopping and following distances

(4) No driver may drive a motor vehicle on any road following behind another vehicle at a distance behind that vehicle of less than—
(a) 16 m, if his or her speed is 40 km an hour or more but less than 50 km an hour; or
(b) 20 m, if his or her speed is 50 km an hour or more but less than 60 km an hour; or
(c) 24 m, if his or her speed is 60 km an hour or more but less than 70 km an hour; or
(d) 28 m, if his or her speed is 70 km an hour or more but less than 80 km an hour; or
(e) 32 m, if his or her speed is 80 km an hour or more.

Originally Posted by Maha

Why is there a 'not sure' option on the poll? there is no grey area, they either are, or they are not....idiots.

What it needs is a 'sorry I don't believe in voting' option. I'd vote for that.

Oh hang on.....

**FJRider** · 18th September 2012, 18:52

Originally Posted by MSTRS

... only highly subjective speculative supposition.

Isn't that what the mrs has ... when you come home pissed, smelling of perfume ... ???

**Maha** · 18th September 2012, 21:37

Originally Posted by Bassmatt

This is KB, no one here offers an opinion without doing the research first!

Originally Posted by Hotkebab

Well, Its my poll and I like to see what everyone thinks.

Originally Posted by Ocean1

For what it's worth my opinion matches the published research.

But then, no opinion based solely on personal experience is worth much compared to results of such comparitive studies, which represent the collective experience of many hundreds of riders.

My posts should be in Hi-Viz y'all didn't see them coming...

For what its worth...when talking Hi-Viz, most immediately think of the road worker varity...which barely makes the grade, and some who ride wearing that kind, do so with them undone and flapping around in the wind. Maybe they do that on purpose, believing the extra movment makes them more visible?....but the answewr is no.
*Personal Study.

**oneofsix** · 18th September 2012, 22:00

Originally Posted by Berries

But with some legislation behind it, albeit less than 2 seconds.

What it needs is a 'sorry I don't believe in voting' option. I'd vote for that.

Oh hang on.....

You forgot (3)

Originally Posted by http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/DLM303092.html

(3)A driver must not drive on a road a vehicle following behind another vehicle so that the driver cannot stop the driver's vehicle short of the vehicle ahead if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly.

whether or not you use the distances or the 2 second 'rule' you still have to be able to satisfy rule 3 so it is up to you to know your abilities and adjust (4) or the 2 second rule to suit but you can't follow closer than the distances in (4), as per your quote and to which the 2 seconds is a guide.

**ontoit** · 21st September 2012, 20:26

Considering that cars hit trucks, trucks hit cars and they are a lot bigger and more visible "they wear Hi viz don't they?" than bikes then wearing high viz clothing may make you feel safer. At least the cages can see what they are about to hit as they look up after playing with the Cd or whatever.

**FJRider** · 22nd September 2012, 09:36

Originally Posted by ontoit

Considering that cars hit trucks, trucks hit cars and they are a lot bigger and more visible "they wear Hi viz don't they?" than bikes then wearing high viz clothing may make you feel safer. At least the cages can see what they are about to hit as they look up after playing with the Cd or whatever.

Actually a poor argument ....

The drivers ARE easier to see if they wear high-viz vests ... the mufti cop cars are easier "noticed" if you see the vest being worn ...

All vehicles on the road are out to get you. Even the one's parked ... waiting to open their doors for you to run into it ...

Pedestrians will walk out it front of you. On the basis you wont run them over ... but go round them ... Air horns rule ...

**DMNTD:Me** · 22nd September 2012, 09:52

Hi-viz, does it make a difference in rider visibility? Yes...but only in certain circumstances.
I commute (in a car) in heavy traffic 5-6 days per week, 90% on the motorway.
When lane splitting the only way that you can be more visible is if you keep your indicator on as your fluro does not stand out in my mirrors unless I happen to be looking. A flashing indicator gets noticed in my peripheral.

They do stand out more when the traffic is lighter plus also in the evening but mainly due to the reflective strips, not the fluro colour itself.

**ProTuned** · 22nd September 2012, 13:17

Originally Posted by DMNTD

When lane splitting the only way that you can be more visible is if you keep your indicator on as your fluro does not stand out in my mirrors unless I happen to be looking. A flashing indicator gets noticed in my peripheral.

Definitely agree with you on that. People usually notice me from ages away with the indicator on and headlight on high beam when lane splitting/filtering. Hi-Viz jackets have not made much of a difference personally.

**YellowDog** · 27th September 2012, 20:02

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**Maha** · 27th September 2012, 21:48

Couldn't help but notice Mr Dirty Hi Viz wearing biker yesterday, he had a line of four vehicles behind him...clocked him at 70kph at one stage...whoa! easy there chap, that bike may fall over!

So yes, clear evidence that rider visibility, is enhanced by Hi Viz...even during daylight hours... (special conditions apply)