John Milliman, you're absolutely right.
When the NHTSA was doing studies to reduce rear end collisions, they looked at a number of different brake light combinations.
1. Regular red brake lights that flash when applied
2. Flashing amber lights in addition to normal static red brake lights
3. High mounted red light in addition to normal brake lights
4. High mounted amber light in addition to normal red brake lights
5. High mounted flashing amber light in addition to normal red brake lights
6. High mounted flashing red light in addition to normal red brake lights
There were probably other combos tested but you get the idea.
The study found that the color and placement of the brake lights was less important than a flashing light. The lights that were noticed more by test subjects were those that flashed regardless of color or placement on the vehicle.
It was also determined that the high placement, non-flashing light of either color became less noticeable over time whereas the flashing light of any color or height remained noticeable over time.
So, as usual, the Feds chose not to adopt the most successful light combination as the new mandate instead of one of the flashing styles that proved superior to the task.
Tut 59, as long as you are going to the trouble of installing a third brake light, I would strongly recommend you install one that flashes when the brakes are applied in order to get the most benefit and hopefully fulfill the job you are installing it for in the first place.
Last edited by Otto Skorzeny; 08/28/2022 4:17 AM.
