Modern vehicle lighting.

VINMAN · 03-13-2012, 07:49 AM

One of the things I really hate with some car manufactures nowadays, is the trend of putting turn signals in with the headlights. Certain cars, you cant see the turn signal when the vehicle is head on. Had a number of close calls because i didnt know the vehicle was turning.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

You actually trust other drivers to use their turn signals at all?

You're lucky you haven't been clobbered yet.

I don't trust other drivers using turn signals at all - if they don't have 'em on, I still expect they might suddenly turn at any moment (and I'm not disappointed - I see it often). If they do have 'em on, I don't rely on them (and I'm not disappointed - many times I see a car approaching with a signal blinking as I'm getting ready to turn onto the street in front of them only to have them continue straight past me - if I'd relied on the signal and pulled out, I'd have gotten T-boned).

Bottom line is that there are a sufficient number of drivers out there who are literally too stupid to manipulate a turn signal device to the point I have ruled them unreliable as predictors of vehicle behavior (which arguably is their purpose, leaving them with no purpose at all).

VINMAN · 03-13-2012, 07:58 AM

Been driving in NYC for 30 yrs. I trust NOBODY!! I expect them to do the opposite of what they are supposed to...

( my point was the placement of lighting....)

kaisen · 03-13-2012, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VINMAN

One of the things I really hate with some car manufactures nowadays, is the trend of putting turn signals in with the headlights. Certain cars, you cant see the turn signal when the vehicle is head on. Had a number of close calls because i didnt know the vehicle was turning.

Agreed. However, I'm also happy to see things like turn-signal-mirrors and brighter LEDs.

The next evolution will be thin-film AMOLEDs that can be anywhere on the car, not just in housings, and can be animated, and in full color. That might be neat.

sc_rufctr · 03-13-2012, 08:03 AM

I lowered my expectations of other drivers years ago. That way I'm not surprised when they do something stupid.
Taxi drivers seem to be the worst offenders.

The indicator built into the mirror is good. I think MB was the first to do that.

VINMAN · 03-13-2012, 08:05 AM

And then we have this situation....

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I lane split on my bike when in CA, as is customary and legal there. A cop there once told me (bike cops do it there too) the trick is to watch the other cars' front wheels. Forget signals. Watch their wheels to see what they're going to do.

VINMAN · 03-13-2012, 08:14 AM

I gave up lane splitting many many yrs ago. around these parts it's suicide.

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaisen

Agreed. However, I'm also happy to see things like turn-signal-mirrors and brighter LEDs.

The next evolution will be thin-film AMOLEDs that can be anywhere on the car, not just in housings, and can be animated, and in full color. That might be neat.

LED's are nice.

I just wish they would make them so they didn't look like Christmas tree decorations.

Every time I see a new Audi / Benz driving around with the lights on I think I'm watching a holiday parade drive by.

That fad needs to go away, along with faux fender vents and big oversized odd shaped exhaust tips.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Yes, it's suicidal even in very bike-friendly AZ. But it's totally different in CA. Cars will make room for you. I've been passed in the same lane like I was standing still when I was doing 80. I've also followed bike cops in lane splitting and couldn't keep up with them.

rnln · 03-13-2012, 08:24 AM

This is exactly what I hate when talking about modifying headlight. Around here, there are many cars/trucks who have their headlights very bright and shine either directly into your eyes or up in the sky.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VINMAN

And then we have this situation....

carreraken · carreraken's Garage

Around here, you're lucky if you see anyone use their turn signals. And if they do, they usually don't turn them on until AFTER they've started the turn!

Bright headlights are a problem. Especially when driving a sports car that typically sits lower... Some of these 'lifted' 4x4's (and there's a lot of then around here) have very annoying headlights, even when on low beams - especially when they tailgate you...

Can't believe how many cars I see with mis-aligned head lights - where one points to the ground and the other right at you!!

Sorry, rant over. struck a nerve....

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

you guys are talking about the HID light- ricer retrofits. Illegal and looks like doo doo.

rjp

McLovin · 03-13-2012, 10:10 AM

I don't particularly enjoy being blinded by the ridiculously overdone and overly bright LED lights and brake lights that a lot of cars are using now.

aigel · aigel's Garage

Some of the German cars come with the Xmas lights because of German legislation for daytime running lights. They put these instead of the actual headlights. Not saying they are pretty, just offering an explanation.

I have been behind new Audis with LED brake lights in stop and go traffic and had to change lanes because they were hurting my eyes, sitting a few feet behind them. This is definitely a problem, especially at night in stop and go traffic.

George

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

The thing i hate the most is those new Xeon lights or whatever they are called, they are blindingly bright, even on the low beam...