Do you see the light?

Cars and trucks following us can be a hazard – especially when we slow down or stop and they don’t. It seems as if drivers are becoming more and more distracted in recent years with phone conversations, texting, checking email, or other distractions. This means that we shouldn’t expect the drivers behind us to quickly notice that we are slowing down. Yes, I know…they SHOULD, but based on actual experience in traffic, it isn’t reasonable to expect it. Here are a few tips for using your lights to give those drivers an early warning.

Normal slowing – Many of us are in the habit of slowing down with just the throttle or downshifting to a lower gear and using engine braking. There is nothing wrong with these methods of slowing, but we have to remember that neither of these methods active our brake light. When slowing (or even before you begin to slow) without the brakes, tap your brake pedal just enough to activate the brake light. This gives a visual cue to the drivers behind you. There’s still no guarantee that they’ll see it and respond, but a flashing brake light makes the driver more likely to notice that you are slowing down.

Slowing to make a turn – When preparing to turn (at an intersection, into a driveway, etc.) the driver behind you may be unaware that you plan to turn and your slowing may take them by surprise. Get your turn signal on before you begin to slow down and use the technique above if you don’t use the brakes to slow. Again, there is no guarantee that the drivers will notice the turn signal and respond, but they are more likely to if you signal early. My goal when riding is to get in the habit of "turn signal before brake lights" – that way I’m getting their attention before I’ve even started to slow down.

If you are rear-ended in traffic, it is almost always caused by the driver behind. However, even if that kind of crash isn’t your fault, it’s much better to not have the crash at all.

Be Crash Free,

~Ax