What about using two same taillights, both flashing in the same rhythm but opposite way: when one is on, the other off, and vice versa? Would it be closer to a solid one and help drivers tell the distance?
It would be next to impossible to keep both lights in proper sync. Even if they're just the tiniest bit out of sync, they will gradually go from flashing opposite each other, to flashing simultaneously, and back again. I've been in my car behind work trucks with flashing lights such as that, and it causes me to almost have target fixation as I watch the lights go between flashing directly opposite and in sync with one another. Extremely distracting.
The original HotShot was very directional, not much side visibility. How is this one?
While the beam appeared pretty narrow from a short distance (across a room), in practice from several hundred feet away it was still extremely visible. I want the new Pro 80, however, specifically because it has a diffuser lens in front of the LED. The 50 doesn't have that, but from the pic above it looks like it might be a little wider beam than the original.
Originally Posted by
kickstart
In general ones ability to see cyclists ahead of the cab is significantly better then average and easy to spot if using lights of any kind.
On the other hand, considering that semi trucks have 6 to 8 mirrors, cyclists using extremely bright, poorly aimed, or flashing headlights are a real and significant problem. it makes it virtually impossible to determine the location, and speed of a cyclist. It also conceals other cyclists and pedestrians from the drivers view.
Being 1 of 2 full time cyclists at a terminal of nearly 100 drivers, headlight overkill and helmet headlights are one of the biggest complaints I hear. When a coworker who just received his 25 year safe driver award, which means no tickets or incidents, on or off duty, says he finds them very disruptive, I take notice.
Ironically when showing a coworker, who is the other full time cyclist, my new Specialized Flux headlight, the first thing he said is "so you're going to be one of those guys with an obnoxious light?". Since he's on the driver safety board, I took the time to show him, and explain its not "one of those lights".
Good observation. I make sure the hot spot circle of my headlight is entirely below the horizon, so to truck drivers it shouldn't appear any brighter than car headlights.