I’m about to run out the door but I’m curious about this. anyone willing to summarize how front brake lights would be helpful?
When I’m in a parking lot turning left onto a main street (US, drive on the right side of the road), and a car is coming down the street, [maybe] turning right into the same parking lot, I won’t pull out into the street in front of them until I can see them decelerating. The risk that they aren’t turning and would then T-bone me is too high.
Heck, even if the turn signal is on, I’ll wait, unless I know I saw it previously off for that car (in case they’re driving with their signal on, not intending to turn)
It’s for situations when you are observing incoming traffic to evaluate opportunities to safely cross paths with it:
The notion behind front brake lights is deceptively simple. By signaling to oncoming traffic and vehicles approaching from the side, a front brake light provides an essential visual cue that a car is slowing down or preparing to stop. When the light is extinguished, it indicates that a stationary vehicle might initiate movement.
I also wouldn’t mind them being on a dimmer. If you’re riding the brakes, barely touching it… One out of 10. If you’re normally slowing, 5. If you just jammed on the brakes out of nowhere, then 10. alternate the LEDs in the assembly with the baseline and what’s currently occurring. That way if you’ve never that particular car’s brake lights before, you still have some idea how to judge it
Honestly, it’s been a really good trend with ebikes. Some ebikes brands have been including brake lights that light up when you slow or stop, and it makes it much safer, since you can tell when someone ahead of you is slowing down. Front brake lights for cars and bikes would also make sense, especially at signalized intersections and four ways.
I hope they become a thing.