Traffic Lights

[witch]

I don't know where this has come from (USA?) but ALL cars are now being fitted with them. They are NOT an alternative to headlights. They also serve to conceal cyclists rather well. As a biker, cyclist and car driver, I am perhaps unusually aware of the more "at risk" road users, yet I very nearly got a cyclist a while back. He has a proper bright LED lamp at the front, but was very well camouflaged by the DLRs on the Range Rover behind him.

 

Manufacturers instruction for auto-boxed cars "hold the car on the foot brake".

 

But AMEN to Fog Lights; mine switch off with the engine, and need to be re-selected when turning back on, why not all of them?

 

The new rule for running lights comes from Europe:

http://www.which.co.uk/news/2011/02/new-cars-to-be-fitted-with-daytime-running-lights-244280/

I can see that they might be a problem for bikes but I think they can be useful - my last car was dark grey and almost invisible against the tarmac.

Edited November 18, 2013 by witch

[laserblazer]

As a pedestrian who continually has to step back at lights here because of drivers who either think the red light doesn't apply, or they're simply not paying attention, I would like to say thank you to those of you paying attention and slowing down.

 

If it's a pedestrian controlled crossing, then there is a sensible delay between the red light and the green man. If you are having regular problems with vehicles as you attempt to cross, then they are either seriously jumping red lights (which I doubt) or you are pre-empting the green man, which is just as bad.

[localzuk]

If it's a pedestrian controlled crossing, then there is a sensible delay between the red light and the green man. If you are having regular problems with vehicles as you attempt to cross, then they are either seriously jumping red lights (which I doubt) or you are pre-empting the green man, which is just as bad.

 

They're jumping the red light. The lights are those style with a green man on the control panel only, so I'm looking at that for indication of when to go. I don't set off until the green man appears and the beeping starts. As I said, I don't dive into the road even then, I check still.

 

However, that said, the red light is still a red light. Which means cars are supposed to have stopped anyway!

Edited November 18, 2013 by localzuk

[sparkeh]

Wow, you lot are lucky to live in places where you get to make decisions like that.

 

Round here its just a decision whether to crawl over the lights or not

:car::car::car::car:

[Fleetwood]

I already have my DRLs. They're called Side Lights, funnily enough they've been around for a very long time

[StevieM]

I agree with @twin--turbo

 

Continue at your current speed, but be prepared to stop should the lights or other conditions warrant it.

At no point should you deliberately speed up to get through the lights..

 

Or deliberately slow down, for that matter. That's what amber is for. If you can't stop safely within the time the lights turn from amber to red, then you're driving too fast in the first place.

[teejay]

Look, as we all know, the correct way would be to have all windows down with the stereo turned up full, preferably have a huge great subwoofer filling the boot, drop a gear or two so you are red lining on the tach and have your mates hanging out the windows demonstrating sign language.

[Gatt]

The new rule for running lights comes from Europe:

New cars to be fitted with daytime running lights - February - 2011 - Which? News

I can see that they might be a problem for bikes but I think they can be useful - my last car was dark grey and almost invisible against the tarmac.

 

Useful at doing what exactly? Blinding the hell out of other drivers or for stealth tailgating?

Cos that seems to be all they are used for at present!

[witch]

 

 

Useful at doing what exactly? Blinding the hell out of other drivers or for stealth tailgating?

Cos that seems to be all they are used for at present!

Blimey - not sure what sort of running lights you have seen but mine are small round lights inset into the bumper (see above) - not capable of blinding anyone! How do running lights helps stealth tailgating?

Edited November 18, 2013 by witch

[Fleetwood]

Look, as we all know, the correct way would be to have all windows down with the stereo turned up full, preferably have a huge great subwoofer filling the boot, drop a gear or two so you are red lining on the tach and have your mates hanging out the windows demonstrating sign language.

 

Don't forget it's while driving a 1.0l french car that has a spoiler/bodykit combo probably heavier than the vehicle, with an induction kit from Halfrauds to make it sound like they're in bloody Nascar.

 

I've also noticed something quite odd in recent months: Normally when I've been at the front of a junction with two lanes at the lights, Joe Bloggs pulls up alongside, revs a bit, sometimes a few gestures given to me, then as soon as they hit amber he shoots off like a rocket's gone up his @r53.

 

Now though, I always come across these muppets that wait until I set off - like they think I'm going to take off when they hit amber, realise I'm not moving until it's green, then when I pull off slowly they start to peg it. I don't understand what the obsession is with people to do this? I'm not going to race you, just get on with it and get a sodding move on!

Edited November 18, 2013 by Fleetwood

[Andrew_C]

Blimey - not sure what sort of running lights you have seen but mine are small round lights inset into the bumper (see above) - not capable of blinding anyone! How do running lights helps stealth tailgating?

Look at the funky DLRs on Audis, Range Rovers, and other Chelsea Tractors. Huge, bright, dazzling things.

 

I already have my DRLs. They're called Side Lights, funnily enough they've been around for a very long time

Those are parking lights. DLRs are designed to be seen over a distance, not just to indicate an obstruction.

 

 

Note to self - Order DLRs for bike. Research shows that two lights some distance apart resolve distance / speed better than a single headlight.

[Fleetwood]

Those are parking lights. DLRs are designed to be seen over a distance, not just to indicate an obstruction.

 

I know, I personally haven't ever used them though. But to be honest I've never seen them used for that purpose either. At all. I've always seen them used whilst it's been ' a bit dark' but not enough to compensate needing dipped beam, never seen them on a car while parked up.

 

I don't mind DRLs, but as has been pointed out already, some people seem to think they're a replacement for their headlights. Not a good method!

[witch]

mrwITch drives on his sidelights when it is a bit dark - I hate it, I was taught that they were only for parking

[Gatt]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]21571[/ATTACH]

 

 

 

Blimey - not sure what sort of running lights you have seen but mine are small round lights inset into the bumper (see above) - not capable of blinding anyone! How do running lights helps stealth tailgating?

 

Imagine a nice shiney new BMW/Audi/Land Rover/retc coming towards you with 4 very, very bright lights pointed at you - in the dark

 

Stealth tailgating = The act of "tailgating" another vehicle whilst only having your DRLs on and no headlamps. Result, car in front doesn't know you are there..

[HarryMonkey]

Imagine a nice shiney new BMW/Audi/Land Rover/retc coming towards you with 4 very, very bright lights pointed at you - in the dark

 

Stealth tailgating = The act of "tailgating" another vehicle whilst only having your DRLs on and no headlamps. Result, car in front doesn't know you are there..

 

Surely if all of these DLRs are as bright and dazzling as you say, how can the car in front not know it's there?

[Gatt]

Surely if all of these DLRs are as bright and dazzling as you say, how can the car in front not know it's there?

 

it's either / or

 

They either approach with all lamps blazing

or

sneak up from behind with just their DRLs on

[Fleetwood]

As much as I loathe my Corsa, the one thing it does have that makes up for it is one of those Anti-Dazzle rear view mirrors. Just twist the knob underneath and bam, I can still see the behind but it's dimmed it down - no more idiots in luxury cars getting up my rear with their lights on full power.. bleh, don't get me started on tailgaters...

[Gatt]

As much as I loathe my Corsa, the one thing it does have that makes up for it is one of those Anti-Dazzle rear view mirrors. Just twist the knob underneath and bam, I can still see the behind but it's dimmed it down - no more idiots in luxury cars getting up my rear with their lights on full power.. bleh, don't get me started on tailgaters...

 

Funnily enough since the clocks went back, my rear-view mirror is permanently in this position..

[Fleetwood]

Funnily enough since the clocks went back, my rear-view mirror is permanently in this position..

 

Haha, likewise! I sort of use it also to 'block' the distaction of the people who get too close/try to intimidate you on the road. It helps not being able to see them lingering around in the corner of my eye

 

I'm not sure I could live without it now, I use it more often than probably needed. I think the only time I set it back is when I need to reverse.

Edited November 18, 2013 by Fleetwood