Automatic Turn Signals?

[dkp2LT]

http://autos.aol.com/article/turn-si...usaolp00000058

I think all of us here have noticed that turn signal usage for lane changes is horrible. Either the driver doesn't use their turn signal at all - or they blink once or twice when they've already made it 33-50% over into the other lane. I was taught that turn signals for lane changes should used prior to the lane change to show my intent to change lane - not just a way of saying "Hey, I'm over here in your lane now."

This article talks about a "Smart Turn Signal" that would use sensors to "assist" the driver. Not sure what that means but I'm trying to figure out how a sensor would determine the intent to change lanes or make a turn. Maybe it's just going to be an annoying noise/beep like the seat belt warning after it thinks you changed lanes or made a sharp turn??

I'm not sure what else a car can do to assist stupid drivers.

[PAUL SS]

Brake lights should be of variable brightness so that when your car slows down when your foot comes the accellerator they begin to glow and get brighter the harder you decelerate. Some kind of inertia sensor. Likewise when a certain amount of left or right input (or inertia) is happening a turn signal automatically comes on. How about when your car is speeding up a green light glows and the harder you accelerate the brighter it gets.

Consider this time and date stamped post my claim to this original idea.

[Sir Nuke]

Originally Posted by dkp2LT

http://autos.aol.com/article/turn-si...usaolp00000058

This article talks about a "Smart Turn Signal" that would use sensors to "assist" the driver. Not sure what that means but I'm trying to figure out how a sensor would determine the intent to change lanes or make a turn. Maybe it's just going to be an annoying noise/beep like the seat belt warning after it thinks you changed lanes or made a sharp turn??

I'm not sure what else a car can do to assist stupid drivers.

That is exactly what it would be.....as if you are using your turn signals PROPERLY, YOU indicate your intent to turn LONG BEFORE your cars sensors would kick in.....so what the Smart Turn Signal system would be doing, would be doing is "reminding you" with a chime or whatever when you FORGET to use it.....and would be an annoyance to most people, BUT because of that people would start using them all the time......and it would become a habit, just like putting your seat belt on when you get in your car. I personally thinks a fairly good idea.

[wocampb]

Originally Posted by PAUL SS

Brake lights should be of variable brightness so that when your car slows down when your foot comes the accellerator they begin to glow and get brighter the harder you decelerate. Some kind of inertia sensor. Likewise when a certain amount of left or right input (or inertia) is happening a turn signal automatically comes on. How about when your car is speeding up a green light glows and the harder you accelerate the brighter it gets.

Consider this time and date stamped post my claim to this original idea.

If I remember right, either the previous generation or the current generation 5 Series has this feature. They actually get brighter the harder you press on the brake.

[FenwickHockey65]

Don't remember what manufacturer did this, but they were experimenting with brake lights that would strobe when panic braking.

[Sir Nuke]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Don't remember what manufacturer did this, but they were experimenting with brake lights that would strobe when panic braking.

ACTUALLY.......being a biker.....I've seen something very simialr, although its not for panic breaking, but there is a module I've seen installed, its plug-n-play, on bikes so that when you hit they brakes, they strobe 3 times then go solid. wouldn't be a bad idea on a car either.

[CamaroSkooter]

I've seen cadillac's with that kind of brake light....not sure if it was aftermarket, though...

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Sir Nuke

That is exactly what it would be.....as if you are using your turn signals PROPERLY, YOU indicate your intent to turn LONG BEFORE your cars sensors would kick in.....so what the Smart Turn Signal system would be doing, would be doing is "reminding you" with a chime or whatever when you FORGET to use it.....and would be an annoyance to most people, BUT because of that people would start using them all the time......and it would become a habit, just like putting your seat belt on when you get in your car. I personally thinks a fairly good idea.

I'd prefer it if they got a mild to moderate electric shock ... its fairly easy to get used to a gentle little chime. But a zap from your seat to ... uh ... your seat? It would only have to happen a few times before you learn your lesson.

[OffseT]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Don't remember what manufacturer did this, but they were experimenting with brake lights that would strobe when panic braking.

The third brake light on my buddys c6 vette does this, I was tripping out the first time I was behind him.