There have a been a couple of articles in the local paper about a fatal accident that occurred on a local lake here. In a nutshell, a ski mobiler driving across the ice struck and killed a cross country skier. Apparently, the snowmobile didn't have a headlight on and the skier had no illumination. Both were enjoying a trip through the dark. I can't help but think that the skier could have saved himself with a small LED light (even a photon) that made him visible. <img src="images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> In the same week there was a snomobile vs. snowmobile accident on the same lake that also happened after dark. I'm not sure what the deal is with driving fast with no lights but a small lamp would be a good idea for those people too.

Chris

There are even flashing led lights. They increase the visibility more than a normal light would.
On snow there is a huge difference between perceived vision and visibilty. That lures people to think that can do without ilumination. Some people learn this the hard way others are not so lucky. I experienced this effect frequently with my bicycle in the city. The head light does not help to see more. So some try to do without.

Yeah, I agree. I used to ride my bike everywhere before I got a car and I always had a front and rear light on. The front light was not so much for me to see as it was for the cars (and others) to see me. I guess most people don't realize that. I see a lot of bikers riding at night with no lights or reflective clothing and think one of the these days they are going to get hit. <img src="images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

If you think just because you carry a light, any light, that you are visible, this is a mistake. Lincoln Boulevard alone in Santa Monica at night keeps hundreds of lawyers off the street handling suits filed by pedestrians and bike riders with lights who've been flattened by cars whose drivers could not pick out the lightbeams from the maelstrom of thousands of others that line that boulevard. The best advice is drive, walk, ride, live defensively and take responsibility for staying out of harms way. Thanks.

I would second the use of flashing red LEDs – even if the unit only has 2-3 LEDs, it is amazing how far away they can been seen in even moderately dark conditions, let alone pitch black. Quarter-mile visibility is easily obtained. One good source for such units is bicycle shops or, sometimes, the cycling section of the local discount store. I've insisted my kids wear one of these while trick-or-treating for the last 5 years.

I aggree with you 100%.

During winter time, I saw many joggers, running on the road (small road), in total darkness. Same with roller-skaters, in dark town street, where you get to see them once you are almost on them....
I was tempted to stop my carb and sell them one of my Photon3 .....


Alain

You are right. The light is no guarantee that you´re visible. But in low light scenarios you´re invisible without one. Carrying the light can´t hurt when you´re aware that you may not be seen anyway. If you´re lucky it may even save your life.
As a rider of two wheelers or pedestrian you should assume that you´re invisble because drivers frequently have difficulties to see you even in broad daylight.

I have a great little one called "Safety Strobe" by CMI (http://www.cmistrobes.com/cmi-bike-sports.htm)

Sotto - I never implied that because I had lights on that I was visible or invincible. I merely stated that I see many people riding that have NO lights on AT ALL which is an even bigger mistake even if you are a defensive rider. I rode my bike for over 5 years in traffic and was ALWAYS a defensive rider and NEVER got into an accident or even a near accident. I agree with you and also think that too many people riding bikes assume that drivers see them and don't understand that even if they have the right of way, they'll always lose to a car.

TTQUAD

Along with making yourself visable with lights (in traffic, particulary), use your hooter often. It may appear rude if you see a motorbiker hooting whenever he gets near a car, but hey, you SEE him.