Originally Posted by Charles Wahl

I know it's not going to be popular, but I'm going to suggest that "flashy-flashy" as part of a "see me" prophylactic strategy makes one more likely to get hit. It's disorienting for drivers and other cyclists alike, in my opinion, and makes it more difficult to judge one's distance from the flasher. I believe (though I haven't looked it up lately) that in Germany, for instance, flashing lights are prohibited, for these reasons.

Obviously, the point merziac is making is valid; hear, hear.