Tips on visibility

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:42 pm

Recently posted on the MN Motorcycle Safety Center site.
For most experience riders there might be nothing new, but it might be helpfull for those of us starting out.

http://www.dps.state.mn.us/mmsc/latest/ ... 79&scat=84

EDIT: also check the HEADLIGHT MODULATOR video under the Top 10 High-Viz Tips. Side by side comparison for those wondering what the difference would be. Pretty cool.

Salud !

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:58 pm

Thanks, EP. Stole it for 2strokebuzz! : )

Bryan

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:17 pm

OK, payment for that will be a beer next time I am in Chicago

Seriously, first impression I got was that it had been put together from the same person that wrote Proficient Motorcycling who's name escapes me at the moment.

I will have to spend some time at it at home . . . lots of info.

Corsair · Post by **Corsair** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 11:33 pm

Mind if I add it to the new members FAQ... lol

Dibber · Post by **Dibber** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:12 am

Hi visable Blaze Orange wasn't made into a law for all Deer and Upland Bird hunters for nothing. You stick out like a sore thumb wearing Hi Visable colors. Even in low light conditions if not even more illuminated during low light. Next time you ride in the late fall season keep an eye out for Deer hunters. They really stand out.

louie · Post by **louie** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:13 pm

i'm a 12.25 of a perfect 10 for high viz rider.
what are you?

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:38 pm

YIKES! I got a 4.25

... I knew that was gonna happen tho. I had already planned to do a lot of reflector work (mostly on my BLACK helmet and Black riding jacket) this weekend cuz I'm off work. I really want a tail light modulator because I really don't like to tap my breaks. I already asked under a similar topic this morning, but has anyone already done this to an '07 buddy? If so, please share (tips, photos)... I don't know if it is hard to install or what.

lobsterman · Post by **lobsterman** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:18 pm

I got an 8.5, which they rate as "not bad".

My favorite question was, of course:
20. I replaced my stock horn with a loud aftermarket horn.
Yes!

I think I should have gotten an OK on the bright jacket, at least for non-winter since my mesh jacket is bright blue, but that wasn't a choice.

The one about using motion to draw attention to yourself was new to me, I'd not heard that before. I'm not sure how I feel about it, particularly in more crowded traffic areas. I'd be a little concerned a driver might panic react to my movement or it might cause a passing officer to think I've been drinking and pull me over. I do sometimes practice swerving for pothole or manhole cover avoidance, but usually not when there's many other vehicles around.

nissanman · Post by **nissanman** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:52 pm

a 5.75 for me. Not bad. The silly part is some of those questions designed for motorcycle riders don't apply to scootering situations. In general I avoid main roads, if I switch lanes I'd be on the wrong side of the road

Overall a quiz like that reminds you of the simple things you can to to make yourself visible. There is a reason my first mod was a reflective red pinstripe around my entire bike

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:02 pm

Lobsterman,
the moving to attract attention refers to moving WITHIN your lane. In other words as you approach an intersection move sideways a couple of feet a couple times so the cager's brain registers that there is something coming directly in front of them.

If you do not move it is almost an static image that the brain might not recognize as a hazard approaching, where if you were to move, the brain then recognizes movement and makes the person looking in your direction pay more attention.

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:01 pm

Your visibility rating is 11.00 out of 10.

Scored pretty well although I do some of the things they mention without thinking about them (such as adjusting my lane position when approaching an intersection). I had a friend tell me once that I am "VERY visible" when I ride--white helmet, bright blue jacket and orange Scoot does the trick, I guess!

Sunil · Post by **Sunil** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:44 pm

5 out of 10... ug

Guess I need to do some work. Does anyone know off hand if headlight/taillight modulators are legal in california?

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 6:02 pm

Sunil,
modulators are legal throughout the US. the reason for it is that they pulse and not flash. In other words, they dim the lights from 100% power to no less than 17% power very rapidly (x amounts of cycles per minute). Flashing means they are on/off very rapidly.

That said, it is advisable to keep a copy of the standards set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards regarding modulators in your under the seat storage area in case you get pulled over and a cop thinks it is illegal. You will hear from a number of folks that got pulled over that not all cops are aware of the legality of modulators.

The pages from that Federal Standard addresing this are here: http://www.motorcyclesafety.state.mn.us ... sp?did=113

You have to rig the modulator with an automatic disable feature that renders it inoperable as the sun goes down. Most mudulators are sold with a photosensitive sensor lead that you mount on your bike. Once sunset comes, the lead does not sense enough light and your modulator stops working, keeping your light at 100% power. You would not want it to work at night anyway.

One such modulator is here: www.comagination.com/modSpec.htm, but there are more brands.

If you rig one without the automated disabling feature and you get pulled over by a knowledgable cop, well, then you are not following the letter of the Federal Standard (paragraph S7.9.4.1-f) and you could get a ticket.

Hopefully that answers your question.

Cheers !

Kurzer · Post by **Kurzer** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 7:43 pm

1.5 points

I noticed my close calls went down after I put a yellow bulb in my headlight. Check your local laws as this may be illegal in your area (as it is in mine, but I don't care lol) Drivers seem to see the yellow a lot more than a standard white.