Rush Hour Precautions during first week of Day Light Saving Time Change | GTAMotorcycle.com

Rush Hour Precautions during first week of Day Light Saving Time Change

Veej

Veej

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Every year during the first week of day light savings time change in fall there is an increase of minor collisions in the GTA, while motorist get accustomed to driving in dark for the first time in the year during the rush hour times of 5-7 pm. I've gotten into minor accidents over the years during this first week and have known others getting into fender benders in cages in this week also.

This year I'm gonna put a pair of LED blinkers on my cruiser both front and back, I feel the continuous blinking of these lights definitely catch the off guard cagers attention in a sea of white and red lights. Just picked up a set from crappy tire $10 or a pair of white and red led lights, gonna put 1 pair on front handle bar and one pair on rear, not sure where perhaps on the signal lights? but I'm thinking that may distract away from my signal lights when I do indicate to change lanes. Any thoughts on this?
 
Pretty sure that's illegal.
 
Most likely illegal. If you want flashing light(s) then install a headlight modulator.
 
I am convinced they are illegal but I am not sure.

Anyone with a headlight modulator should be slapped.
 
Use a green flashing light. Not only will people notice you, they will get out of your way. You can be like the guy in the pick-up truck in my town, use it to get to Home Depot before closing.
 
Just called the Toronto Police Traffic Services, heres what they said.

You can Not have Red blinking forward or rear facing lights, as they can be confused with emergency and snow plow vehicles. You CAN have the red blinkers on the side if you like but not sure how effective that may be.


You CAN have white blinking lights, the only concern they said is you may not want to put them on your handle bar as it may be too close to the signal lights therefore create confusion and thus may be more dangerous to the rider. He suggested mounting it on the rear of the helmet as you already have your main headlight in the front.

So that's cleared glad I posted here and got immediate feedback.

Thanks Guys....
 
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DECIMIS said:
Use a green flashing light. Not only will people notice you, they will get out of your way. You can be like the guy in the pick-up truck in my town, use it to get to Home Depot before closing.
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Isn't the green flashing lights for volunteer fire fighters? Maybe there was an emergency at home depot :D
 
I'll be driving that day and likely for days after. Other people suck...
 
Blackfin said:
I'll be driving that day and likely for days after. Other people suck...
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I will have the same confidence on drivers that they than any other day, so I will continue riding.
 
I have never noticed a difference in peoples driving during the day light savings transition. People still do not see me, wether it is sunny or dark, they still change into my lane, cut me off like I am invisible. People get confused easily when something new is out there. Maybe drive more defensively keeping aware and away from traffic as best you can, or if you want flashing lights, why not just put your 4 ways on?
 
unL33T said:
Pretty sure that's illegal.
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So is rear ending someone...
I been paying a lot of attention at what makes someone more visible while bicycle commuting for the past few years. I noticed reflective vests make someone very visible, maybe even more than bright blinking lights. Bright blinking lights can be confusing to drivers and mess with depth perception. A good highly reflective vest is a big bright surface area. It's way easier to see where it is exactly. Then again some people won't notice a flat tire... good luck.
 
I have blue leds in my frame. That keeps me visible
 
daught said:
So is rear ending someone...
I been paying a lot of attention at what makes someone more visible while bicycle commuting for the past few years. I noticed reflective vests make someone very visible, maybe even more than bright blinking lights. Bright blinking lights can be confusing to drivers and mess with depth perception. A good highly reflective vest is a big bright surface area. It's way easier to see where it is exactly. Then again some people won't notice a flat tire... good luck.
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And you'll get a ticket if you rear end someone. Just like you will if you put flashing lights on your motorcycle.

Reflective vest is a good idea to me although many people on here will argue that wearing all black somehow makes you just as visible and infinitely cooler.
 
A ticket is not as bad as getting rear ended.

Lol where's the thread where people argue black is just as visible?


Sent from my clear iPhone 31SS
 
I think the problem is that once you go black....
daught said:
A ticket is not as bad as getting rear ended.

Lol where's the thread where people argue black is just as visible?


Sent from my clear iPhone 31SS
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ZX600 said:
Anyone with a headlight modulator should be slapped.
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Seems a little extreme.................

I've had a modulator for about 8 - 10 years and I believe its very effective. I only use it when..............
  • Approaching an intersection with vehicles waiting to turn left across my path
  • Approaching an intersection with vehicles waiting at a stop sign to drive across the road I'm on or waiting to turn right
  • When passing on secondary roads, especially if I'm passing 2 vehicles at a time
  • On an undivided road/highway when a long line of impatience drivers is approaching behind a slow poke.
  • When I see a car stopped by the side of the road, maybe waiting to do a U turn in front of me

When used selectively, as per above types of situations, I think a modulator can be a very effective tool along with my usual defensive riding techniques.

People who have a modulator on 100% of the time are annoying, especially if you're riding/driving ahead of them on the 401. This said, it does make them more visible.
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