I've had an idea

[EvianBaby]

I've noticed a number of times, mostly on motorways that people braking sharply ahead will sometimes use their hazard lights to warn drivers behind them. So, my though was in regards to brake lights and that when a certain amount of pressure is applied to the brake or based on the speed in which the brake is applied, the brake lights should flash, or an additional brake light should flash to warn drivers behind that you are braking suddenly.

Of course we should all be keeping a safe distance anyway but this obviously doesn't happen always.

What do you think? Would this be feasable?

[Toureman]

All the things you are advocating are already fitted to some newer cars, mostly this will confuse numpty drivers even more!

[david21]

I think something similar allready happens on some modern cars that when the brake is used in an emergency stop the hazard lights will flash.

[EvianBaby]

Oh, obviously not a unique idea then. I thought I was being really clever for a moment.

[AlBags]

An additional central HL brake light linked to the rear pressure reducing valve would probably work quite nicely.

[Iggle Piggle]

yeek ! don't broadcast good ideas/inventions. To my peril I have done the same thing and now two of my best ideas are manufacturers main line products...
I should be living in paradise but I was too late to patent my ideas.
As to your idea, I think it is a good one but construction and use regulations demand a steady red light shown to the rear etc etc...

[DTCwordfan]

How about a strategically placed explosive charge that ignites to neutralise the numpty driver's car? That would reduce our national CO2 emissions just about overnight.....

[ladybirder]

The 'Numpty' always being the 'Other' driver of course.

[DTCwordfan]

Of course.

[Electrochem]

Except in exceptional circumstances, I have never had the need to brake hard on the motorway. I drive on the motorway to get to work and back home. From the time I join the motorway to the time I leave it I rarely, if ever need to break. I see cars in lanes 2 and 3 breaking every 2 minutes because they don't leave a big enough gap.

[Electrochem]

I meant of course to type brake not break!

[jake-the-peg]

It was really clever EvianBaby - evidenced by the fact that epople have put it into production.

It's hard to be clever - it's really, really hard to be clever and first!

[johnk]

Electro, I do the same but when you are obviously going to come to a standstill I use the hazards to try and not be rammed up the backside by the car behind about 3 feet away!

[Old_Geezer]

To be honest, by the time someone in front of me opts to put on their hazards I can already see things are jamming up. I think it is probably only to give the flasher the impression they are helping.

Maybe a more intense brightness to the brake lights when they are being applied heavily might drive the info home better. Some sort of indication regarding how quickly they in front are trying to stop might be useful to avoid the assumtion that an emergency stop is just a gradual slowdown.

[Frank97]

I've often thought that when a car is stationary at night the brake lights should come on automatically weather the brakes a depressed or not, also if the driver lifts of the accelerator there could be some sort of flashing light to inform others that the car in front is slowing down. Probably not going to happen but just a thought.

[ummmm]

But then the brake lights will be coming on constantly. People lift their foot off the accelerator just to keep within the speed limit. The cars behind would start braking then..

[Frank97]

They would have to start braking anyway as the car in front is slowing at least a light would give some warning. Probably not really practical though as you suggest.

[ummmm]

Not if they have kept the right distance. Someone might be slowing down because they have crept up 5mph over the limit.

[EvianBaby]

The idea of keeping brake lights on while stationary is a good one but I'm not convinced just when the foot is taken off the accelorator.

I often take my foot off to slow down into speed limits without braking. It's quite a gradual slowing down rather than the sudden stop of braking sharply so it might be a bit confusing to drivers behind.

[Frank97]

Yes you're right, I'll put that idea back in the box then.

[Electrochem]

In my opinion, if you can't tell that the car ahead is stationary, you shouldn't be driving. Good driving is all about reading the road around you. Not just ahead, but to both sides and behind you as well. Is the vehicle behind too close? Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. Have I checked my mirrors and blind spot before deviating from my path? Do other road users have a crystal ball - I don't have to indicate properly on roundabouts, they should know where I am going, so I don't need to signal left before I turn off!

I'll keep my foot on the brake pedal - the handbrake is just an accessory and it's far better to dazzle the driver behind at night, particularly when it's raining.

I didn't see the motorcyclist before he took my door mirror off.

Front fog lights are compulsory in all weathers at night!

Of course I can text or make a call on my mobile 'phone without my driving being effected.

In my opinion the penalties for the last matter need to be increased to a fine of at least £150 and 4 penalty points for the first offence, all offences thereafter should result in a 1 month ban and a £250 fine.