Originally Posted by madpogue
The driver isn't fit to carry a license. If it's anything like what's usually available, your front blinky light was blinking much faster than what constitutes a blinking turn signal. Moreover, turn signals are, by law, orange in the front and orange or red in the rear. That this driver interpreted a white light as a turn signal and not as a headlight is an indicator of insufficient fitness to drive.
I have an old VW beetle that has white turn signal lenses that blink very quickly. They blink faster than a blinkie light. Moreover, in the dark, with a steady bright light pointed at you, I can see where it would be easy to mistake an oncoming bike for a motorcycle with a turn signal or even a car with one headlight out signalling a turn. In fact, the relatively low intensity of a bike headlight could be misinterpreted to be another vehicle at a greater distance if the intersection does not have street lights.
I think the best strategy is not to use a white blinker up front. Better to use a steady lamp and save the blinkers for the rear. Remember, like it or not, automobile drivers are not expecting to see cyclists, especially at night, and it is best to present to them with something they are more likely to recognize.