When to use high beams?

[ScottRNelson]

...and if you have wipers on you have to have lights on.

That's the law in California now as well.  It should be common sense.

[He Man]

im thinking about retro fitting this on my bike....you know incase it gets reallly dark.



do you think a  15kW HID bulb is bright enough? (BTW thats used to power IMAX Lamps) 

[Statler]

I am a very calm driver.  Almost nothing bugs me enough to raise the blood pressure.  I say the following not to criticize, but just so people have some different perspective.

When someone blinds me (not accidentally and a quick dimming) at night either from behind or from in front, it is the closest thing to ever making me want to react and actually do something to that person.

I never will, other than to flash my lights.

But damnit if that doesn't piss me off to taking action where otherwise I would not.

Being seen is one thing.   At night to me using the high beams intentionally with other drivers present is asking to have someone intentionally try to run you off the road, blind you back, throw something, swerve, etc.     Also likely to cause grandma to lane drift quite a bit unintentionally.   

[Spidey]

Statler, you talking about keeping your brights on at night (which is douchey).  Or are you including a a quick flash you approach an intersection at night?  I do that, particular if I'm in a heavily traveled or urban area.  It's just too easy to miss the headlight with all of the other lights around.

[Turf]

I'd say that having your highs on all the time is irresponsible, selfish and putting yourself and others in danger.

How is blinding someone else in a vehicle much larger than you make you even incrementally safer?

Road rage is much more probable, having someone keep their brights on you is infuriating. Target fixation is also much more probable.

I'm very sensitive to light so it bothers the piss out of me.

[Statler]

Statler, you talking about keeping your brights on at night (which is douchey).  Or are you including a a quick flash you approach an intersection at night?  I do that, particular if I'm in a heavily traveled or urban area.  It's just too easy to miss the headlight with all of the other lights around.

brights on at night.

a quick flick will generate a wave hello and a thumbs up out the window.

[Monster Dave]

I'm mostly worried about 20 feet away in heavy city traffic.

Motorcycles going straight through an intersection being hit by cars turning left is, I believe, the most common moto accident there is.
In fact, it's happened to me twice. Both times lying on my back looking up at some person blubbering, "I didn't SEE you!" One even added, "You scared the hell out of me, you bounced right off my windshield!" Imagine his surprise.

If you're going 30MPH through and intersection, it leaves a cager making a left 1/2 a second max to see you or not before they punch it. (44 feet per second)
It's progressively less time the closer you are to the car in front of you. Commonly a moto's place in traffic appears to be a gap when cars drivers don't see a car roof over the other roofs there.  As soon as the car in front has passed, there is that split second you will be seen or not.

This is when I use my brights, horn, lasers, flair guns, grenade launchers... Day time rush hour. Cagers looser their friggin minds at rush hour.
All in all, you can't ever count on being seen. But it can't hurt trying IMH experience. This is also why I'm done with black helmets, and all black leathers.

This was my initial point to being with. Thank you. 

Just a note on safty, while I perfectly agree with the principle of blinking lights before moving through an intersection, keep in mind that action can result in miscommunication leading to a car thinking that it's ok to go through the intersection before you.

[Raux]

just a thought.
high beams + deer = BAD wreck. makes them freeze. if you have high beams on and see a deer flick them to low.

[ScottRNelson]

just a thought.
high beams + deer = BAD wreck. makes them freeze. if you have high beams on and see a deer flick them to low.

If you see a deer, regardless of time of day or headlight setting, slow down as much as possible.  That works way better than hoping that they'll get off the road before you get to them.

[Monster Dave]

Good point. Fortunatly in the desert we only have to worry about rattle snakes and the occasional family to turantula's that moves across the street!



 



LOL - ok, so they aren't quite that big! 

[Raux]

i noticed in cycle world there wa a letter to the editor about this subject... their response was basically during the day not so bad, but at night dangerous.

[Holden]

If you see a deer, regardless of time of day or headlight setting, slow down as much as possible.  That works way better than hoping that they'll get off the road before you get to them.

Ya think laying on the horn would goad them? or same effect as light?

[He Man]

i remember there being a post about deers and headlights and perception. it started of as dogs are predators so they chase to intercept. if you slow down then gun it, it screws them up.

Deers are usually prey to some sort of animal. SO they will do wacky things. With that said, your make the beast with two backsed, just slow down and watch out.

regardless of which, I saw a bike with flashing lights. much more noticeable then any high beam. and for the record after reading this post i became self conscious of myself and aware of other high beamers, and i must say. THAT SHIT IS NOT COOL.

[Holden]

and for the record after reading this post i became self conscious of myself and aware of other high beamers, and i must say. THAT SHIT IS NOT COOL.

+1

Earlier today a motorcycle cop going the other direction waved at me. I remember thinking to myself "he prolly wouldna been so friendly if I had my brights on." I think they like it when you sit all upright like you're [a responsible rider] on a tourer.

[Howie]

i remember there being a post about deers and headlights and perception. it started of as dogs are predators so they chase to intercept. if you slow down then gun it, it screws them up.

Deers are usually prey to some sort of animal. SO they will do wacky things. With that said, your make the beast with two backsed, just slow down and watch out.

regardless of which, I saw a bike with flashing lights. much more noticeable then any high beam. and for the record after reading this post i became self conscious of myself and aware of other high beamers, and i must say. THAT SHIT IS NOT COOL.

Suburban deer just jaywalk.  Unpredictable.  Your true rural deer will jump into your path if you speed up, it is a survival technique.  Deer are food.  They see your vehicle as a fast predatory animal.  Even more so if your bright lights are on.  The typical driver slows, sees the deer standing there, thinks the deer is being polite and waiting to cross, then speeds up.  The deer sees this as an attack and jumps in your path, continuing in that direction.  Works great for wolves, not so great for motor vehicles.  Also keep in mind, usually where there is one, more will follow.  Bottom line, do not accelerate until you are past Bambi.

Back to the original thread.  I only use high beams in a no traffic situation or as a warning.