Thinking outside the box: preventing cars turning left into you.

theDQG

XS650 Addict
Messages
266
Reaction score
37
Points
28
Location
Boston, MA
I have been talking about and thinking about simple ways to cut down on the possibility of cars turning left into you, and one of the ideas I had was to perhaps wire up a strobe light with the horn, when I was given this very simple solution:

https://orpland.com/orp/

This is intended for bicycles, but can very easily be used on motorcycles and is cheap, easy to attach, requires no wiring. It is available in a variety of colors to blend in.

Video:


Thoughts?
 
Are you talking about a car turning left into you?

As to the "Orp" you posted, I think on a quiet bicycle where you are passing other bicycles, that gadget is pretty cool...but no where near loud enough for a car with rolled up windows as well as your engine being way louder to be heard over it.

The light, however might be something that catches the driver's eye...especially being a little different than your headlight and off-set...in strobe mode.
 
Please explain what a "left turner" is. Strobes do get peoples attention, I don't see what use that horn would be. My local cops would not appreciate the strobe or the random use of a horn. Still the best way to be noticed (seen) is to ride on the left of the lane that you are in and have the headlight on. Tailgating is just asking for it.

My biggest gripe is the wide lanes around here at stop signs. The wide lanes allow cars to crowd me at intersections on the right or left. When they come up to the right of me I can't be seen by cars turning the corner. These wide lanes also allow cars to take the turns at ridiculously high speeds. In my younger days I was known for kicking dents into the doors of these cars intruding my space (lane). I do consider this an assault to my safety and have been chased by people wanting to kill me afterwards. That's a real rush being chased by a car, sidewalks, back yards, alley ways.

Scott
 
Last edited:
Yes, turning left into you coming from the opposite direction. I changed the title of this thread, sorry.

At 96 decibels, the Orp is still louder than xs OEM horns, but not as loud as AM horns, true- but the combination of the strobe/horn would be significant and this device is pretty affordable and easily strapped on.

Cop gives you trouble, just unlatch it and put it in your pocket.. quick solution?
 
Last edited:
Go for it, but $65? hmmm....

I've seen all types of horns on the bicycle market and haven't seen a battery powered one be anything special. Loud is loud, but can it project forward 100+ ft?

I'd be more interested in the light as more of a deterrent...for the reason I just said, but more importantly, I wouldn't want to take my hand off the grips to flash a horn/light especially if I have to make a quick maneuver that I see coming my way. Eff the horn and roll on the throttle quick-like. :)
 
There's been times when I'd prefer THIS horn button.

motorcycle-rocket-launcher.jpg
 
One help; Never linger in a cage's blind spot............. If you are at his left rear fender you are effectively cloaked from his view.
 
One help; Never linger in a cage's blind spot............. If you are at his left rear fender you are effectively cloaked from his view.

Yep, see and be seen. Respect the cagers lane and space, protect your lane and space.

I think it is a shame that "drivers ed" doesn't teach the old way of car lengths for following a car anymore. They teach something like seconds between cars. Anyone under 40 years old has not been taught how to keep their distance from the car in front of them, they drive around thinking that they are also responsible for the car in back of them, it just can't work that way.

Scott
 
Go for it, but $65? hmmm....

I've seen all types of horns on the bicycle market and haven't seen a battery powered one be anything special. Loud is loud, but can it project forward 100+ ft?

I'd be more interested in the light as more of a deterrent...for the reason I just said, but more importantly, I wouldn't want to take my hand off the grips to flash a horn/light especially if I have to make a quick maneuver that I see coming my way. Eff the horn and roll on the throttle quick-like. :)

It's easily attached so you could put it next to the turns/light switches, for easy access?
 
One help; Never linger in a cage's blind spot............. If you are at his left rear fender you are effectively cloaked from his view.

Problem is oncoming traffic turning left into you. As you know, there are many cases where they will look right at you and not see you, unless there is something irregular about you, such as modulating headlight, etc.
 
One help; Never linger in a cage's blind spot............. If you are at his left rear fender you are effectively cloaked from his view.

Hi Gary,
being cloaked is a good thing, If blindeye the moron-boy can't see you he can't try to kill you.
It's up to you to avoid him, eh?
Admittedly, 95% of them can't see you when they pull lefties in front of you.
And the other 5% want you dead.
 
My ex-sister-in-law was the "turn left in front of you" type of driver.
A narcissistic individual, like the "bridezillas". Her beliefs were:

- All the road within my vision belongs to me. Doesn't anybody get that?
- People are just too slow. Git outta my way.
- What I'm doing is more important. Don't bother me with your problems.
- You're driving annoys me. Do it my way, or I'll scream.
- Anybody who doesn't see things my way is just plain crazy.
- Bend to my will. Pay attention to me.

It gets worse.
An intelligent lady, never been diagnosed, most of us saw bipolar symptoms.
I believe she *would* yield to a rocket attack, if she's in the mood.

I see a lot of this on that show "Bridezillas".

Them crazy ladies are DMV licensed to kill...
 
That gadget is a waste of money. Needless duplication. We all have headlights and most riders already have horns.

1) ALWAYS assume you cannot be seen by oncoming left turner. Same goes for vehicles about to pull out into traffic from your right.

2) FLASH your hi low beam a couple times. try to make eye contact with other driver if possible. Pre brake if you're not sure. Check your hi low before and during every ride by holding your gloved hand out there in front of light.

Simple common sense... Stay out of mirror blind spots as others mentioned, position yourself in your lane to your advantage, think ahead and see the big picture, and always leave yourself an out as they used to say in driver ed.
 
What about a relay contraption, triggered by the horn wiring, that would do the headlight/taillight/turns flashing duties?

I thought about that.. the downside to this device is that it does nothing for what creeps up on you at the red light. :shrug:
 
That gadget is a waste of money. Needless duplication. We all have headlights and most riders already have horns.

1) ALWAYS assume you cannot be seen by oncoming left turner. Same goes for vehicles about to pull out into traffic from your right.

2) FLASH your hi low beam a couple times. try to make eye contact with other driver if possible. Pre brake if you're not sure. Check your hi low before and during every ride by holding your gloved hand out there in front of light.

Simple common sense... Stay out of mirror blind spots as others mentioned, position yourself in your lane to your advantage, think ahead and see the big picture, and always leave yourself an out as they used to say in driver ed.

By the time you establish eye contact, it's too late to brake. Trying to make eye contact, IMO has zero benefits.

What I am talking about is doing all of those precautionary things, headlight on high beam during day (which I do all the time) plus have a strobe/horn combination.

Overkill? Probably, but- beats a free trip in the ambulance.
 
Reflex is your 2nd best defense, I sure have that, and it's never done me wrong. In a bad situation the last thing I would ever think of is hitting a switch.

Scott
 
Back
Top