Great safety device for slow moving cars.

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: Great safety device for slow moving cars.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tyrone Thomas - Topeka KS on Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 10:14 am:

Better than the Slow Moving Vehicle sign which some state allow for cars, is the bicycle rear flashing light.

In the study of Traffic Safety Engineering one of the most effective signs is one that moves. In the world of bicycling on the road safety is a bright light. So if we mix the two theories we come up with the bike rear flashing light.

These lights are small, removable, battery operated, move and are bright. Most use double A batteries or the flat watch type battery. The run times normally can run anywhere from 50 to 80 hours depending on battery type and flash mood. They can be seem up to 1 mile. They normally have several flash moods to draw your attention. They are very bright. They can be turned on and off. Many are designed to clipped on. So they can be clipped over your license plate.

When I designed the taillight brackets for my A speedster, I left a little room to velcro on a couple of these lights.

These lights can be found at most all stores that sell bicycles ie.. Walmart. But your better ones will be found at bike shops or my favorite online supplier "bikenashbar.com" These lights will run you anywhere from 15.00$ on up to 30, 40, 50 bucks depending. bikenashbar sells quality brand name yearly closeouts at greatly reduced prices.

Anyway, just thought I would mention this. They are great for grabbing a persons attention. Not all lights clip on so watch for that.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Graham Lloyd on Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 10:22 am:

I was contemplating something along those lines myself. I was thinking more towards the flashing light that runs off a battery you can get for oversize loads. I never thought of the bike accessory, so thanks Tyrone for the suggestion.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary H. White - Sheridan, MI on Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 10:46 am:

Be mindful of your state's laws re flashing lights on vehicles. Non-emergency, moving vehicles are normally limited to amber flashing lights.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Townsend ; ^ ) Gresham, Orygun on Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 11:07 am:

I have had flashing "bike lights" on my cars for years. I fit them on the arms for the top saddles. I use a thick rubber grommet and a little bit of black electrical tape to "shim " it up, then used the clamp that comes with it. I also have pick up some free-be clip on type that I can attach right to the license plate. They are easy on, and easy off. I have never had to change a battery.

I guess there might be a law about flashing red lights on cars, but I'll take that risk over someone not seeing me!

: ^ )

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Tomaso - Milton,WA on Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 11:13 am:

A similar flashing red bike light was included with our tour packages on the MTFCA National Tour based out of Whitefish, Montana several years back - I have yet to change the battery. We thought it was such a good idea, we also included one in each tour package for a Can-Am Tour my wife & I hosted several years ago as well.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Mays on Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 11:29 am:

I have a pair of bicycle flashers on the rear bumper of our Model A and that works well. Got them at WalMart for about 9 or 10 bucks each and the batteries last a long time.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan B on Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 12:34 pm:

Yep, I have two that I attach via the Velcro straps that came with them right around the rear spare tire.

I don't like the idea of dopey looking non-original lights permanently fastened to the car. These can quickly be put on and removed when I get where I'm going.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ken Kopsky, Lytle TX on Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 02:01 pm:

Texas doesn't allow flashing lights on a private vehicle. There's one exception that may be applicable if you can convince the DPS Trouper though. The problem is that you may be admitting to being a traffic hazard. :-)

Sec. 547.331. HAZARD LAMPS PERMITTED. (a) A vehicle may be equipped with lamps to warn other vehicle operators of a vehicular traffic hazard that requires unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing.

(b) The lamps shall be:

(1) mounted at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable on the front and on the rear of the vehicle; and

(2) visible at a distance of at least 500 feet in normal sunlight.

(c) The lamps shall display simultaneously flashing lights that emit:

(1) a white or amber light, or a color between white and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the front of the vehicle; or

(2) a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the rear of the vehicle.


Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 03:52 pm:

Admitting that you are a hazard is very risky. I prefer to say that I have as much right to drive my 90+ year old car on the road as any local stoner has to drive his pile of junk at similar speeds. The fact is, I see cars almost every day on our roads around here that are going as slow or slower than I drive a model T.
Use the lights. They are a good idea. In the unlikely event that some hard-nose officer decides that you need a ticket? Pay the fine for improper use of a light (you might want to make certain that it is not a "moving violation" in your state, however). Or contest it on the grounds that better safety is in the spirit of the law, but I still have the right to drive my car. Depending on the judge, it often works.
Do drive carefully, and enjoy, W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tyrone Thomas - Topeka KS on Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 06:11 pm:

I for one, with todays car drivers would rather get a ticket for improper use of a flashing light than to not and increase my chances of getting run into. I understand if you were using a beacon light but to use a small single directed light like a bike light is any worse than a cars 4-way flashers and those are legal for use.

I just can't imagine law enforcement stopping a SMV for using a little more extra care in the effort of protecting themselves and other drivers. Thats like telling a truck driver he can't light his truck and trailer more than DOT says he can.

I for one, a ticket is cheaper than a casket.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary H. White - Sheridan, MI on Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 08:41 pm:

Use of flashing lights on moving vehicles in Michigan is restricted to those identified by law. Mostly law enforcement, emergency, mailmen, utility service, oversize escorts, and such. Just being a slow moving vehicle does not qualify. Four way flashers usually will be allowed in adverse weather conditions but is up to the local enforcement guy.

Also, Using a slow speed triangle is restricted to vehicles that cannot exceed 25 mph. Guess some Ts could qualify on that.


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