Redline
Likes to Drive and Ride
Yes it does exist for that reason, but the point I was trying to make (and maybe the other guy too?) was that it goes beyond getting my attention and goes to the next level as a distraction. For example, on several occasions I have initially noticed a 'headlight modulator' moto but then have continued to be distracted by the flashing headlight. Meaning I've given the moto too many seconds of my attention at the expense of other traffic that I should have already gone back to scanning. Locking-on any one object or vehicle for too long while moving is bad in my opinion.
Yes, I've also lost count of the number of collisions I've avoided (about 150k+ on motos), and surely some/many of them were avoided because I was seen by the other person. However, there have been countless others that have been avoided due to my skill and attention, were the other person didn't see me or react until it was much too late, if at all, and my corrective action stopped the dominoes from falling far before it was a close-call.
On a skills note, I'll give a plug to David Hough's book Proficient Motorcycling. Though already a skilled and experienced rider when I first picked up this book many years ago, I read it cover to cover and have often used it as an instructional aid to share concepts with newer riders. I don't agree with everything he says, and have modified a few lessons, but in general I think it's a great book.
Not exactly what I meant, when I said unavoidable, I mean something like some idiot ripping out of a blind alley without any care (building blocking the view for both) when you are almost in front of them and they run into the side of a moto, bicycle rider, or pedestrian, never seeing them because of the blocked view and not slowing/stopping to look as they should. They would hit a car if it was there too in this example, no headlight or anything else can prevent this, only the careless idiot driver could have.
My goal is not to be the strong voice against the modulators, though I don't have and don't care for them, I certainly agree with the idea of being seen and using a headlight for that purpose....
Going the other direction to make a point and agree with you, I've ridden many thousands of miles on old motorcycles without 'always ON' headlights, nor the electrical systems to support such use (classic British). I've also ridden on modern motos that had european headlight switches that allowed riding with the headlight off. In both cases, whenever possible, I was always a strong proponent of riding with the headlight ON to assist being seen. It truly helps and surely the flashing headlight helps too, even if I don't care for it.
I'll call this agreeing to agree Mr. Hackney
James
