BrakeBright

[freebeard]

Via Hacker news
gill.net.in/posts/my-quest-to-make-motorcycle-riding-safer/

My instructor casually suggested lightly applying the brakes during engine braking to alert drivers behind that I was slowing down. Given motorcycles’ inherent lightweight design and strong engine braking, the risk of being rear-ended was significant.

It struck me profoundly how something so vital could be left to mere habit—this realization triggered my engineering instincts. Relying solely on human memory and habitual action seemed inadequate and unreliable. I wondered: “Could technology automate this essential safety process?” Thus, BrakeBright was conceived—a smart brake-light system specifically tailored for motorcycles. BrakeBright intelligently detects when the motorcycle slows due to engine braking, activating the brake lights even before the rider manually applies the brakes. Moreover, during intense braking scenarios, it flashes proportionately to the braking intensity.

I wonder -- would this work on a VW Beetle?

[Xist]

How difficult would it be to find out?
Do you want me to ask my Magic 8 Ball?

[freebeard]

'Ask again later'

Why is it called an 8-ball if it has twenty responses?

[Piwoslaw]

Long ago (cannot find the thread/post now) I wondered whether to add a push-button for activating the brake lights manually when engine braking.
This would be a great way to automate it

[freebeard]

Long ago it would have been a yellow caution light if you let off the gas, not flashing red with hard braking.. This solution had to wait for the digital acceleramerter chip.

[Piotrsko]

Could use a normally open variable vacuum switch, closed with the addition of manifold Negative pressure wired to some yellow hazard lights or perhaps the turn signals.

Hmmm flashing yellow all the way down the grapevine might be annoying or fuzz attraction if not going slow or in the right hand lane

[freebeard]

I did a little search engine-ing.

The product was called the Stadco Life Saver.



They go for ~$175 on eBay.