[s-cars] lights

[Robert Rossato]

And having LEDs doesn't change any of those factors.  My whole point is that if the difference in lightup time between incandescent and LEDs makes the difference between getting in an accident or not, then you're following too close for the conditions.  Period.  I don't think it's a good rationalization of technology to say it allows people to tailgate safer.

Somehow I don't think the judge is going to buy as an excuse from the guy that rear ends someone that "It wasn't my fault.  The guy in front of me didn't have LED brake lights."

LEDs do have their advantages, mainly from a power consumption standpoint.  That's were I see more benefits on the manufacturers side as they add on more and more electronic doodads they need to cut back on power consumption elsewhere.  And while they last longer, is it worth the cost difference?  I can't remember ever in 25 years of VW/Audi car ownership having had to replace a tail/parking/brake/turnsignal light.  And that's on a total of 4 cars.  The German Osram bulbs last an incredibly long time.  The GE crap on the other hand...

The pulsing brake light is nothing new.  There was a guy back in the late 70's early 80's that came out with that concept.  It was a center mounted stop light that pulsed faster depending on deceleration rates.  It was a universal mount that could be retrofitted to any car.  They were installed in taxi fleets in a few cities here in the US but unfortunately he was ahead of his time and it never really caught on.  It's a shame because it really worked well.

Bob

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Brian Armstead <barmstea at IBB.GOV>
> Robert,
> 
> I appreciate your comments, but 1/2 second can be a huge difference, and
> it does not always relate to those following too closely.  Old age,
> health conditions, inattention and foul weather are major factors as
> well.
> 
> In Europe, certain brands now have LED lamps that flash according to the
> severity of braking.  Mercedes has a prototype ready for this market,
> just awating DOT approval, which is not yet ready to approve the system
> pending tests.
> 
> I agree that amber turn signals make a huge difference.
> 
> Brian
> 
> Robert Rossato wrote:
> > 
> > Personally, I'm not a big fan of LED brake lights & turn signals.  Call
> > me old fashion, but I prefer the warm glow of an incandescent bulb and
> > how it ramps up and down.  LEDs just seem kind of, I don't know,
> > unnatural.
> > 
> > And spare me the safety czar statements that the LEDs light up a half
> > second quicker.  If that 1/2 second makes a difference, you're following
> > way, way too close.  What is arguably, IMHO, a safety improvement is
> > switching to euro tail lights with the amber turn signal.  There is no
> > decision to be made as to whether you just saw someone tapping their
> > brakes, or a turn signal (I've lost count of how many cars I see with
> > only one brake light).  Just say no to red turn signals.
> > 
> > Bob
> > 
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
> > > [mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of
> > > Eric_R_Kissell at whirlpool.com
> > > Sent: Saturday, April 15, 2006 11:40 AM
> > > To: Dave Ellis
> > > Cc: s-car-list at audifans.com; Calvin Young
> > > Subject: Re: [s-cars] lights
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Just out of curiosity, why do you feel you need better bulbs for your
> > > lights?
> > >
> > > Have other drivers been reporting thst they cannot see you in
> > > the dark or
> > > something?
> > >
> > > Those new LED tail lights do look pretty cool on the
> > > 18-wheelers, though.
> > >
> > > Eric
> > > Tiffin, OH
> > 
> > _______________________________________________
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> > http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/s-car-list
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