Originally Posted by
Spld cyclist
Here's a scenario: Someone is texting. They look down at their phone. They glance up and look for large moving objects (other vehicles). They look down at their phone. They look up for a second.... I think in these situations, even during the day, a flashing light can help. It can catch the eye in a way that a cyclist without a light might not. Same in the morning when the drivers are half asleep. Not that this is perfect or takes away all the risk, but if I can spend $30 - 40 for a little safety upgrade, that would be worth it to me.
I said in my first post that I didn't expect these lights to be visible on a bright sunny day. What I'm wondering is if a 1-watt light is a sufficient upgrade for overcast conditions to be worthwhile.
Edit: The Serfas looks pretty good. Thanks for the suggestion.
Sorry but that was a poor scenario, if a person is looking down and texting their mind is completely absorbed by doing that and they won't see a blinking light. This has been proven over and over with texting morons running red lights and hitting cars from behind; if they can't notice a red light or traffic stopped for a red light how the heck do you think their going notice your tiny little flashing tail light?
NOTE: I'm not saying not to run a light during the day, if doing so gives you some degree of piece of mind while riding then do it, after 40 years of riding I've found no purpose for running the tail light...EXCEPT when I'm riding on a busy highway with little or no space right of the white line. But I have no idea if doing so helps, I do it for peace of mind.