I just wish light makers include a slow-flashing mode on most bike lights. The fast flashing is very annoying to both myself and others. This SOS mode emits strong light but slower, so that strong light stays for a second or two, which helps with both illuminating and alerting (mind you, it is much more effective in alerting pedestrians than ringing bells or horns: pedestrians can be deaf but rarely keep eyes shut). It also saves power relative to solid mode. Since no one (I hope) will be watching me all the time as I'm riding along, so it's not like flashing SOS mode at a fixed spot to attract attention and signal distress.