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Re:The Porsche Macan EV Is Being Recalled Because Its Headli... by TeMPOraL on Wednesday December 04, 2024 @06:33AM (#42316499)
> Blinking lights makes the bicycle driver more visible.

[citation needed]. They sure are annoying to look at, but I doubt about the improved visibility. Drivers are used to tracking positions and velocities of steady light sources - like those from cars, traffic lights, barriers, reflected lights, etc. Blinking lights are harder to track and are unusual; they seemingly should draw attention, but other than bicycles, they tend to show up on stuff like ads, Christmas lights, broken light fixtures, etc. - that is, things safe to ignore.

Re:The Porsche Macan EV Is Being Recalled Because Its Headli... by thecopy on Wednesday December 04, 2024 @06:38AM (#42316527)
This is related to inattentional blindness, where car drives dont notice motorbikes since drivers are used to looking for two lights - not one: https://motolight.com/inattentional-blindness/

In the same manner, a single bicycle light might not register as a vehicle in the minds of car drivers. By blinking the light the short-circuit is broken - or so the theory goes.

Re:The Porsche Macan EV Is Being Recalled Because Its Headli... by lhomdee on Wednesday December 04, 2024 @07:19AM (#42316721)
Can confirm this anecdotally. When I use my bike light in blinking mode, drivers are more careful around me every time. When I use the non-blinking mode, there have been times when drivers have clearly ignored my presence and I’ve had to wave my hand in front of the light to simulate blinking to get their attention.
Re:The Porsche Macan EV Is Being Recalled Because Its Headli... by lupire on Wednesday December 04, 2024 @08:24AM (#42317196)
"ads, Christmas lights, broken light fixtures, etc" are not safe to crash into
Re:The Porsche Macan EV Is Being Recalled Because Its Headli... by TeMPOraL on Wednesday December 04, 2024 @08:29AM (#42317243)
They are not. They are also not on the road.