I think adding this to every car will decrease the number of accidents

[psteng19]

You ever notice while driving behind a bus, that they have an extra set of YELLOW lights at the top that light up when they're NOT on the gas pedal?
If you don't know what I'm talking about, whenever the bus driver lets go of the gas, these will light up (not to be confused with turn signals or brake lights).
They probably have these on buses because they're taller and block your view of up coming traffic ahead, so it's sort of an early warning system.

But I think if they implement these in all vehicles, it'll give an earlier warning for YOU to also let up on the gas, right before the guy ahead of you slams on the breaks.
It's sort of like the yellow light in a traffic light.

There are times where you can't tell whether he's still accelerating or just coasting.
That extra tenth of a second could be the difference between a close call, a minor fender bender or a pile up.

 

[conjur]

My grandfather, tinkerer that he used to be, installed these little stop light devices in the rear window that did just that. When on the gas, the lights were green, when he let off the gas, the yellow lights would show. And when he hit the brakes, yes, the red lights would come on.

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: conjur
My grandfather, tinkerer that he used to be, installed these little stop light devices in the rear window that did just that. When on the gas, the lights were green, when he let off the gas, the yellow lights would show. And when he hit the brakes, yes, the red lights would come on.

sweet.

I would say it wouldn't help much.

If your a good driver you stay a good distance away and are alert on the road. Meaning you keepyour eyes on the road. You can see when the guy is breaking and then you are at a good distance and speed so you break. No problems.

 

[Zugzwang152]

problem lies between seat and wheel. nuff said.

 

[psteng19]

Yes, the problem is usually the driver, but I think a system like this would help the situation by preventing accidents.

 

[morkinva]

I think it's a good idea, but then again there are people who have licenses now that do not know what 'reverse lights' are for.

 

[Yossarian]

I like that. I also like the idea of variable intensity brake lights so that if you stomp the brakes down, they will be brightest (or light several segments in a strip), if you brake softly the light is minimal.

 

[psteng19]

Originally posted by: PipBoy
I like that. I also like the idea of variable intensity brake lights so that if you stomp the brakes down, they will be brightest (or light several segments in a strip), if you brake softly the light is minimal.

Yes, but you don't always know what the maximum intensity is until you've seen it once.
I still think a yellow light for coasting is good for a ~10% reduction in rear end accidents.

Where can I submit this idea?

 

[Yossarian]

Earlier this week I saw a BMW commercial showing multiple-light brake indicators, I got ripped off pretty fast on that one!!!

 

[GroundZero]

step away from the crack pipe

 

[ThisIsMatt]

How about variable brake light columns? The harder you press, the more lights that come up (traveling up the column).

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: ThisIsMatt
How about variable brake light columns? The harder you press, the more lights that come up (traveling up the column).

some traffic org did a study on these and although they seem useful in certain countries, the research suggested that the brain does too much thinking about the intensity of the lights to react in a reasonable time frame.

 

[Dragnov]

I tap my brakes if I make a sudden stop and the person behind me is closing in fast. If they're too close to stop in time, the yellow lights aren't going to help.

 

[SoylentGreen]

What about the chick arguing with her boyfriend on the cellphone? She doesn't see anything.

 

[BooGiMaN]

how about LED message sign some of the messages would be:

im coasting go on and pass me

im braking to check out this chick

your tailgating me asswipe so im pumping my brakes

im about to stop

im letting off the gas

im braking now

im really braking now

im stopping

I said im stopping knucklehead

stopped

 

[0roo0roo]

all cars should also have side mounted turn blinkers, and pressure sensitive brighter brakelights.

 

[Jzero]

I bet you if we did away with engines and wheels, car accidents would stop altogether!

 

[Eli]

It definately isn't a bad idea.

 

[RossGr]

Such lights were discussed in the late '70s, I have been waiting for and wanting them every since.


As for the reader board, that would be fun. I want one on the front bumper that displays a mirror image, so it could be read in the rear view of the idiot that has had his turn signal on for the last 50mi!

Then one on the back bumped that could at least display "BACK OFF A**hole"


Probably get myself shot!

 

[The Sauce]

I think adding this to every car will decrease the number of accidents

I thought you were going to recommend a tampon dispenser.

 

[Cyberian]

Originally posted by: BooGiMaN
how about LED message sign some of the messages would be:

im coasting go on and pass me

im braking to check out this chick

your tailgating me asswipe so im pumping my brakes

im about to stop

im letting off the gas

im braking now

im really braking now

im stopping

I said im stopping knucklehead

stopped

CRASH!!

 

[Cyberian]

Originally posted by: BooGiMaN
how about LED message sign some of the messages would be:

im coasting go on and pass me

im braking to check out this chick

your tailgating me asswipe so im pumping my brakes

im about to stop

im letting off the gas

im braking now

im really braking now

im stopping

I said im stopping knucklehead

stopped

CRASH!!

 

[everman]

Also it would be better if brake lights flashed or had some kind of motion, that would make the easier to see. Unfortunately I see plenty of people driving around with no brake lights at all! usually some old beater car.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

What if it's raining or foggy outside? Then the brake lights, intensity according to pressure, would seem like a bad idea. If it's too dim and the fella can't see it, then same result.

 

[Ronstang]

The simplest way to decrease automobile accidents would be to take away the cell phones from all the SOBs on the road.