I ride at night with both lights on steady, and during the day and early evening with flashers. The reason is that flashing lights disorient. If it is dark enough that your flasher creates a strobe effect, then you should have it on steady, it is not safe for you, or oncoming traffic. Especially on long, unlit stretches of road. When a biker is flashing at night, it does attract attention, however the strobe effect also causes errors in depth perception, so that it is hard to tell exactly how far ahead the rider is. It can also be hypnotic, and actually cause a driver to unconsciously get closer to you. Steady lights are more recognizable on the road, as they are associated with vehicles, so i try to position my lights the same height as on a motorcycle, so that in the dark you appear to be a regular vehicle (which you are) and remain visible while not distracting the driver in a dangerous manner.