Headlight Modulators, are they safe?

[Freebird]

OK folks. Something has been weighing heavy on my mind since Gary's son posted yesterday about the accident. I've been hesitant to bring it up because I know that we are all still grieving over the loss of a very fine member of our VentureRider family but on the other hand, I think it is something that should be mentioned just in case it is something that could cause harm to another member.

 

I'm talking about the comment from the young lady who pulled out from the stop sign that she thought the motorcycle was turning. She thought that the turn signals were on. That is NO excuse for her pulling out so please don't think that I'm making excuses for her. It caused me to wonder though, do you think it's possible that somebody could see a modulating headlight and think that they see the turn signals flashing? I know that Gary did have a modulator on his.

 

I have a headlight modulator on my bike also and have always thought that they are a great idea and make you more visible to other traffic but this turn signal thing now has me wondering if there is a downside to it also and if so, does that downside out weigh the positives.

 

At the very least, I think it is a possibility that we should be aware of.

[E-Fishin-C]

We all know that turn signals are are yellow ..there is no way that modulator can mstaken for signal lights........and Im a little iffy about her statement sorry But I am

[sarges46]

I was wondering the same thing Don. But, this is the first time I've ever heard of that happening. I guess one could attempt to get how many accidents happened for the same reason or excuse, then try and compile how many feel their light probably saved them from a pull out or left turner.

 

I pulled out on a turn signal while we were at Gary's VIP this Sept. on my bike. I was watching thank god and kept turning right onto the shoulder as the guy kept on driving straight through. He was slow and weaved all over so was probably impaired a little.

 

Bottom line there...no excuse for me trusting those turn signals....I learned that along time ago and knew better.

 

I had bikes with the modulators on follow me in my cage and while they annoyed the heck out of me.....I sure knew they were there!

 

Perhaps driver inexperiance has taken our friends life and badly injured another. Yes it is her fault....

[pegscraper]

Boy, you're going to get a lot of opinions on this one. I myself don't like them. I know of their existence and know their purpose, and I will still wonder for a few seconds what's going on when I see one. What must people who don't know of their existence and purpose think about them? This stuff should be taught in driver's ed, I know, but it most likely isn't, and it's us who has to deal with the consequences of it. I prefer bright-as-you-can-get-them lights in a steady state. I say it makes it easier for someone else to judge a distance with a steady state light as opposed to a flashing one. JMHO.

[Guest ReinyRooster]

I tend to agree with Charlie.... I fail to understand how anyone with half a brain could mistake a large white modulating headlight for a much smaller yellow or red turn signal.

[FROG MAN]

I seen a modulator yesterday and was impressed at the noticeable visibility it provided. However to those who are totally unfamiliar with a motorcycle I'm not sure what there first impression might be. Especially in making a split second decision. Still no excuse for what happened just my two cents.

[MikeM8560]

I have to agree with Charley. a flashing headlight would give me reason to be more cautious. Just like a police cars headlights or a car flashing the headlight . i asume a emergency and give way.

[hipshot]

having never used a modulator, i cannot speak from a riders point of view.

that said, i have seen modulated headlights in front and in my rear-view mirror, there is NO way , that anyone could mistake them for turn signals!

every kid, from first grade on up, recognizes "flashing lights, as a school bus, police officer, ambulance, firetruck, or some OTHER "out of the ordinary" vehicle!

i think , this girl was "grasping at straws",looking for an excuse, for her negligence!

do modulators work! absolutely!

just my nickel's worth.

just jt

[Black Owl]

I have been running a headlight modulator on all my bikes ever since they became available here in the US.

 

Like Charlie, I find it very hard to believe that anyone could mistake a modulating headlight for a turn signal.

 

I'm a bit outraged at the thought that the driver said she saw both the modulating headlight and what she thought was a turn signal and yet she pulled out onto the highway without waiting to verify if the motorcycle was going to make a turn. Very poor driver education in my opinion.

 

One thing my father taught me that has stayed with me to this date. A flashing turn signal is only an indication that the light is working and has nothing to do with the driver's intent.

 

Coming back from the store this afternoon there was a motorcycle in front of me that ran for a good half mile with his right turn signal flashing. And he never did make a right turn.

 

If it makes any difference in this case, the traffic accident investigator can examine the turn signal lamp to see if it was illuminated at the time of the accident.

[royalstarjac]

I have no doubt modulators raise the visibility level at least 5 fold.

That is their purpose. What possible provision can be made for someone who sees the motorcycle and STILL PULLS OUT?

 

Unfortunately modulators don't instantly raise the IQ of cagers. They are not fool proof. You still have to ride like the cagers are out to kill you....because they are.-Jack

[muffinman]

I to agree with Charlie the girl made a very bad decision. I have been doing research on building my own modulator I will at some point get one made and installed on my scoot. If it was not against the law here in North Carolina I would have the flashing lights like Lowell has on his bike already. I know that it may not help but anything is better than nothing when it comes to self preservation on the road.

Jeff

[eagleeye]

Well, I do have my own opinion on modulators and it is that it is one of hondas stupid ideas.

I'm not saying that it is a popular opinon, but it is mine.

I can see how it could be construde as a turn indicator.

 

Steve

[BEER30]

I just places a headlight modulator on my scoot last night without second thought . I have been asking the local riders in my area their thoughts about them and only one negative came about . And that was it could piss off a cager thinking that you fooled them by acting like a law enforcement patrol car .

The way I look at it , I rather have cager upset at me and improve my chances of living than be not seen and be 6 foot under .

In this moment of sorrow and loss , I too agree with Charley . Whether I was on a scoot or in my truck , I have had other cagers pull right out in front of me . I am just fortunate to be able to make this statement today . And how ironic , seeing this question asked and also being approached by an elderly couple today as well at the gas pumps and make comment that they saw me on the road just minutes of us meeting and they saw me more clearly than cagers with their headlights on . I told them that I just placed the headlight modulator on last night to been seen . They both agreed that I was .

I see more cagers acting more negligent and always in a hurry when it comes to stop signs . I myself am not going to consider if I will give up riding . I'll reflect on this tragic to further educate myself and make more mods to my scoot to be more seen .

 

 

BEER30

[mini-muffin]

I've actually sat through two red lights once when I was younger due to an elderly man not knowing which way he was gonna turn. He kept changing his blinker. That made me really nervous so I waited till he figured it out so he didn't hit me. I was a teen and driving my mom's car. Didn't want any trouble with her. I've seen folks ride for miles with a blinker on and never turn. You can't take it for granted that the turn signal means they are gonna turn.

 

Margaret

[BuddyRich]

Good question. I can see a modulator on a bike making the bike more visible. When riding in front of Easyrider (runs a modulator)he was always easy to spot. Even in my rearview mirrors I NEVER confused his turn signal for his headlight. And since the Venture has a self canceling turn signal and a fast flash if a bulb is blown I would be asking her a lot more questions.

[muffinman]

I was a teen and driving my mom's car. Didn't want any trouble with her.

 

While I Love my Mother In Law to death I dont want any trouble with her either She told me when she heard that I had Mini on the back of my bike that if I hurt her Daughter or Grand Daughter she would kill me and I believe her.

Jeff

[hig4s]

A couple years back a friend of mine took 6 weeks and rode from Seattle to NY down to visit me in FL and over to TX then back.. He had a modulator and mentioned to me that there were areas he rode through that with the modulator on people would do dangerous stuff to get him away from them because they seemed to be upset with the modulator. In those areas he had a Velcro cover for the sensor to turn it off.

 

Personally I don't like them or vehicles (bikes or not) that run with brights on. As someone that has some night blindness (about 50% of men over 40 do) modulators or brights in my rear view mirrors make it more difficult for me to focus on the road ahead of me.

 

But I find it hard to think it could be mistaken for a turn signal. Perhaps if the sun was just right so it didn't seem very bright it might have been a bit confusing, but if you are confused when driving you shouldn't just keep going.

[Guest KitCarson]

I just places a headlight modulator on my scoot last night without second thought . I have been asking the local riders in my area their thoughts about them and only one negative came about . And that was it could piss off a cager thinking that you fooled them by acting like a law enforcement patrol car .

The way I look at it , I rather have cager upset at me and improve my chances of living than be not seen and be 6 foot under .

In this moment of sorrow and loss , I too agree with Charley . Whether I was on a scoot or in my truck , I have had other cagers pull right out in front of me . I am just fortunate to be able to make this statement today . And how ironic , seeing this question asked and also being approached by an elderly couple today as well at the gas pumps and make comment that they saw me on the road just minutes of us meeting and they saw me more clearly than cagers with their headlights on . I told them that I just placed the headlight modulator on last night to been seen . They both agreed that I was .

I see more cagers acting more negligent and always in a hurry when it comes to stop signs . I myself am not going to consider if I will give up riding . I'll reflect on this tragic to further educate myself and make more mods to my scoot to be more seen .

 

 

BEER30

Hi Beer: I have one ordered.....just got the tracking email a bit ago....it is on the way. We went for a ride today all the way around Lake Murray........met a rider with one.....you can really see this headlight, it stands out..one would have to be blind not to see it........and hey who cares if someone was to mistake it for a signal......at least they can see you and be watching......as for making a cager mad.........and getting a one finger signal:rotfl::rotf: that will just make my day!! A great big smile. They are not seen much around this part......I am going to do my part to make them seen......and be seen. I think they are a wonderful invention and idea.....anything one can do to enjoy our sport and be safe.

No if you have read any of my stuff talking to some of the others......I will not ever consider quitting riding either........might have to get a trike when I am 89...........:thumbsup: Kit

 

 

 

I did not know where to put this so I thought I would put it where everyone is reading at the moment. I have noticed something on this site........all of you have a very healthy attitude. An accident is an accident........I do not care if you have ten flashing blue lights and a siren......there is going to be an accident.....this is just what us as humans seem to be able to accomplish well!! I myself several weeks ago was sitting at a dual stoplight, where an third side road forms a junction also. I was watching traffic to my credit.....but the far light went to green, mine was still red.......off I went! The mind fools the brain sometimes!!! But back to the healthy attitude....I have noticed all of you pulling together.....willing to help.......and instead of getting mad and revengeful.....you just show more spirit. These modulators are one way we can instead of putting the blame on others........further accept our own responsibility to make our sport safer. I am proud of all of you.....shure is.........No blame.....just let us help and what can we do. Way to go. Kit

[Ramblingman]

Well I have one on my bike because of GaryN and I do believe it was a real bad judgment of that girl thinking it was a turn signal. There is no way in He## you can mistake the two. I have seen were cars have pulled over because of it ...once more bikes have them they will get use to them..I have seen were people at a corner were going to pull out in front of me and have noticed the light and stopped and at one point someone even mentioned how it was a good thing ...cause he noticed it before he did my bike!!...So I'm a believer in them ...simple fact is ...people daydream and sh** happens...I've seen people pull in front of dam semi trucks ....just human nature not to be with it all the time ....just my 2 cents!!!

[Guest KitCarson]

A couple years back a friend of mine took 6 weeks and rode from Seattle to NY down to visit me in FL and over to TX then back.. He had a modulator and mentioned to me that there were areas he rode through that with the modulator on people would do dangerous stuff to get him away from them because they seemed to be upset with the modulator. In those areas he had a Velcro cover for the sensor to turn it off.

 

Personally I don't like them or vehicles (bikes or not) that run with brights on. As someone that has some night blindness (about 50% of men over 40 do) modulators or brights in my rear view mirrors make it more difficult for me to focus on the road ahead of me.

 

But I find it hard to think it could be mistaken for a turn signal. Perhaps if the sun was just right so it didn't seem very bright it might have been a bit confusing, but if you are confused when driving you shouldn't just keep going.

A modulator does not work at night......they are all manufactured with a sensor on them that prevents them from night time function......in fact some will go of in tunnel or under a shade tree...the better ones have a delay to take this into account.......it is also illegal to run one at night........so night use should never be an issue. Kit

[BEER30]

Hi Beer: I have one ordered.....just got the tracking email a bit ago....it is on the way. We went for a ride today all the way around Lake Murray........met a rider with one.....you can really see this headlight, it stands out..one would have to be blind not to see it........and hey who cares if someone was to mistake it for a signal......at least they can see you and be watching......as for making a cager mad.........and getting a one finger signal:rotfl::rotf: that will just make my day!! A great big smile. They are not seen much around this part......I am going to do my part to make them seen......and be seen. I think they are a wonderful invention and idea.....anything one can do to enjoy our sport and be safe.

No if you have read any of my stuff talking to some of the others......I will not ever consider quitting riding either........might have to get a trike when I am 89...........:thumbsup: Kit

 

Hey Kit ,

Like you , I will not quit riding unless my body or my financial situation tells me I cannot . I ordered my modulator and installed , then ordered a "Back-off" and it will be here Monday . I also ordered a "Knight-Rider" for a third brake light for the BEERCART .

I am going to do whatever it takes to be seen , for the safety of myself and my rider . Some here mentioned they do not like the modulators , but the fact is ,"They notice them " . I can respect their opinion that they do not like them as long as they respect my wishes to live . As well as us riders further educating ourselves to be better riders , It should also be considered to further educate the cagers . I haven't checked , but has anyone looked to see what the AMA or other organizations are doing to make better awareness ?

 

BEER30

[VTirelli]

In 21 plus years of writing accident reports I rarely have one where the driver who is at fault takes full responsibility. To me, this sounds like just the case. Instead of admitting that she is totally at fault, she chooses to deflect some of the blame onto 'confusion' caused by the modulator. Inexperience ...most likely.....distraction...probably.........but there is no way anyone with half a brain can't tell the diffeence between a modulator and a turn signal.

[Venturous Randy]

I have to agree with Freebird's concern, when I read Gary's son's comment about her stopping and then thinking she saw a signal light, I did wonder if she could have posibly confused the two. Obviously she should not have pulled out, even if there was a clear signal light, especially on a motorcycle as many do not have a self cancelling feature.

I have never considered putting a modulator on my bike, but I think the vast majority of the time, they are real good to have. About eleven years ago I did install a set of strobes in the headlight bucket. I also transferred them over when I changed from the 83 to 86 up headlight assembly. In fact, I have two sets of strobes, with one being much stronger and one being weaker because I also run my strobes day and night. But, I usually just leave the stronger ones on all the time.

I also have strobes installed in my rear trunk lightbar and inside the tail light cover that are hooked up to my brake light. They do seem to get people's attention when I am stopping or slowing.

RandyA

[Yammer Dan]

I think Charlie nailed this one so I won't go in to my opinion of brain-dead idiots that DON'T SEE Motorcycles!

[kantornado]

I personally don't like them.Weather there safe or not I am not sure and will not debate it.

I do know that when I have seen them I tend to fixate on the flashing strobe then look away from it and would not see a turn signal cause it makes me anxious.

I find them to be very annoying.

 

Now don't get me wrong I am not making an excuse for the young girl cause in my opinion she just did not stop and used the excuse of the strobe. She is 16 and at 16 there are just to many distractions and I am sure she was in a hurry and self absorbed.

 

I am glad that FREEBIRD posted this.To bad it happened after such a tragedy.

I have often wanted to comment on these strobe lights but by the time I get home and get on line here reading all the chit chat I forget about it.

 

I am letting you all know how I personally feel about the flashing headlight.

 

I DONT LIKE THEM..................................Ron