Compulsory daylight headlight use in NZ

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 29th September 2008, 21:20

Originally Posted by JohnR

Obviously the rationale for compulsory headlight use during the day is based on solid evidence from research

...and this evidence will show a percentage decrease in the number of motorcycle crashes involving other vehicles

...and this will then be passed on to motorcyclists in the form of a coresponding decrease in ACC levy on licensing

as long as if they don't make it compulsory for all vehicles then I see it as a good thing... but if they change it to all vehicles then its a bad thing

**JohnR** · 29th September 2008, 21:35

Originally Posted by NighthawkNZ

as long as if they don't make it compulsory for all vehicles then I see it as a good thing... but if they change it to all vehicles then its a bad thing

I agree that riding with lights on is a good thing, i agree that hi viz vests are a good thing and white helmets too...I use all of these.

What I don't agree with is the compulsion, by law, to do or use any or all of the above.
Those of us that do use any or all of these do so too protect ourselves to our own level of paranoia if you like. Those that don't use it obviously don't consider it necessary...their choice.

My point was I don't believe that research, in detail enough to warrant such a draconian measure, has been done. And there will definately be no benefit for motorcyclists.

In my veiw there is a certain amount of CYA by "the government" so they can say "What more can we do? We've done all these things and you bikers still hit cars." (Ban Mortorcycles I hear some scream!)

**pritch** · 30th September 2008, 07:38

Originally Posted by Conquiztador

I loved the times when I could ride w/o helmet. But the problem was that I could hear all the noises and I was expecting the motor to blow...

Was talking to a friend a while back, a former mechanic. He had recently ridden a bike without a helmet and was surprised at the amount of mechanical noise. He said it explained why he seemed to be forever adjusting his tappets back in the 60s.

In town yesterday on the VFR there was a moped coming toward me and from it's position on the road and its speed I assumed he was going to make a turn. His headlight on full was so bright, and the blinker so close to it, that it was only when I got really close that I could see his blinker. By that stage I couldn't see much else mind. That headlamp really was dazzlingly bright.

Actually, I wish the headlight on my SJ50 was that bright.

**nico** · 30th September 2008, 08:23

i kinda fail to see the bad point shouldnt bikes ride with headlights on any way it's gota be better to be seen aint it????????

**Max Preload** · 30th September 2008, 10:32

Originally Posted by nico

i kinda fail to see the bad point shouldnt bikes ride with headlights on any way it's gota be better to be seen aint it????????

That makes about as much sense as removing your right to refuse consent to Police searches you as you think you have nothing to hide... (and yes I am aware of a couple of provisions that mean your consent is not required).

**motorbike** · 4th October 2008, 13:18

wouldn't it make more sence to make it compulsory for all new bikes coming into country, to have ther head lamps hot wird on
then you could slowly phase it in
and everyone is happy

**swbarnett** · 4th October 2008, 16:12

Originally Posted by motorbike

wouldn't it make more sence to make it compulsory for all new bikes coming into country, to have ther head lamps hot wird on
then you could slowly phase it in
and everyone is happy

Personally, I'm just sick to death of other people trying to look after MY safety when I should be looking out for myself. The more "safety" measures you instigate the more drivers (and riders) are going to get complacent and lose what little road awareness they had in the first place.

I think riding with your light on is a good thing but it's MY choice. No-one has the right to impose it on me - whether by law or engineering

.

**Mom** · 4th October 2008, 16:39

Originally Posted by Conquiztador

I say: Let's get anything moving on the road to have lights on! If it saves one life it is worth it!

Apologies for coming so late to this discussion but I disagree. If everyone on the road had their lights on 24/7 we would not stand a chance of being seen, we are just another light. We are not seen now, at least having lights on during the day (when our bikes allow) gives us a tiny bit of an edge???

Originally Posted by davereid

I always used to ride with lights off.
I found that a quick flash of the lights if I saw a car who may not have noticed me was vey effective. I have noticed no reduction at all in the number of drivers who didnt see me, indeed as I now can't "flash" em, I think its got worse.

Indeed, many bikers appear to be safety nazis - they just havent noticed the bigger nazis watching them.

I had a choice when I started riding of whether to have lights on or not, I chose not, as a quick flash seemed to alert blind car drivers I was around.

I put my hand up to being a safety nazi too! I support ATGATT completely, and practice what I preach. I nursed and it literally makes my skin crawl when I see people out and about in shorts etc. I have had to deal with the fallout of it when they come to grief you see.

**MSTRS:Me** · 4th October 2008, 16:46

Originally Posted by swbarnett

Personally, I'm just sick to death of other people trying to look after MY safety when I should be looking out for myself. The more "safety" measures you instigate the more drivers (and riders) are going to get complacent and lose what little road awareness they had in the first place.

I agree with this. Keep legislating for stupid, and by removing the need to think, what you get is greater stupid.
And for those talking about triangulating etc...wrong. Because a motorcycle is narrow, the distance between two 'driving lights' only serves to tell an unthinking cager that 'that car is far away enough for me to make this manueovre'. If they see it, that is. And a single light gives nothing away as to distance or approach speed...sure...but how often is it even seen?

**twinkle** · 4th October 2008, 17:08

I'm going to make a submission in support for banning Headbanger from riding a motorcycle.

All in the name of looking out for a fellow biker, I'm amazed that he's getting around on such a dangerous and powerful piece of gear.

No worries, I know whats good for him, he can thank me later.

**Headbanger** · 4th October 2008, 17:19

Sweet.

And in regards to the rep I just received (much appreciated btw), If you can't power your headlight on a consistent basis then no your piece of shit bike is not road worthy. Bin it.

**Beemer** · 6th October 2008, 08:37

Originally Posted by Headbanger

Sweet.

And in regards to the rep I just received (much appreciated btw), If you can't power your headlight on a consistent basis then no your piece of shit bike is not road worthy. Bin it.

So all classic bikes should just be trashed? Anything that was the latest and greatest in its day but now can't run a headlight 24/7 at low speeds should be trashed?

The great mantra of the materialistic - "it's old, buy a new one because it MUST be better". Some of us actually appreciate classic things, not just classic idiots, of which I'd have to label you.

**Dodger** · 6th October 2008, 12:19

Originally Posted by R6_kid

I think it should be compulsory for all vehicles, except in cases where as mentioned it is not feasible on certain (vintage?) vehicles.

Nooo!

If everyone has their lights on during the day then the Bikes get lost in the the background.
The whole point of having our lights on is so that other motorists see us as we stand out from the crowd.

**Swoop** · 6th October 2008, 12:26

Geeze. Just have a man with a red flag walking in front of the vehicle, to warn others of the approaching danger.

(gsxr1000 might need a fast man with the flag...

)