Saturday, September 12

Turns in the Dark

In this post, I half seriously wondered if I needed to get some LED turn indicators to be seen while signaling for a left turn in the dark. Eliot suggested glow sticks. However, it turns out that there are products that might actually make it easier to be seen signaling for turns in the dark. I have NOT tried this, though I'm considering it. Ain't capitalism wonderful?

A review of the product may be found here. What attracts me is that the product isn't too expensive, isn't heavy or complicated, and might actually perform the advertised function. My thoughts are that one would probably be sufficient - to signal left turns. Right turns have far less risk of a motorist conflict while the turn is about to be executed. On Amazon.com, there's one really good review and one bad one, so the jury is out.


Still, I LIKE the idea of motorists having an easier time seeing my tanned arm hung to the left in the dark. My two rear lights make it pretty easy for someone coming up from behind, but an arm turn signal isn't ideal. This could actually help. I have no idea why the bottom photo shows one on the model's right wrist. I'd go with the left. You could always buy a second one if it works really well and you feel strongly about making sure motorists see you signaling a right turn.

The bigger question: might not a reflector, or a small rear blinkie light velcroed to one's glove work as well?

As you might guess, I have no financial interest in this product other than not wanting to spend good money buying stuff I don't use.

2 comments:

ChipSeal said...

Such a "always on" light in such a position would be irritating to me on the dark roads I travel on at night.

When turning left, day or night, last second overtakers are a hazard to be cognizant of. It one of many "watch out" conditions, and one of the few instances that overtaking traffic should concern a cyclist.

Steve A said...

The light in the pictures is supposedly NOT "always on." Having a regular blinky would have the disadvantage of getting on my nerves as well. A reflector would not have that disadvantage and would be cheap as well.

And yes, I totally agree with ChipSeal's second paragraph. It is an exception to the rule of Italian riding and is, fortunately, an easy condition to avoid in the dark, as long as the motorist is using lights and not playing "ninja."

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