wales@ucla-cs.UUCP (02/13/86)
IDEA: Connect the backup lights to the hazard blinkers, so that the
hazard lights would automatically come on whenever the ignition is
on and the car is in reverse.
This feature could be implemented easily in most cars via an addi-
tional relay (with its coil voltage derived from the line to the
backup lights).
Since the backup lights are on only when the ignition is on, this
feature would NOT cause the hazard lights to keep on blinking if the
car were left parked in reverse.
RATIONALE: If someone goes into reverse while on the road (e.g., while
doing a parallel-park maneuver), he presents an increased hazard to
any cars behind him. The car's backup lights might not be easily
visible, especially during the daytime.
One might argue that a driver should not try to parallel-park if
there are cars behind him. However, in actual practice, a driver
desperately looking for a parking place is highly unlikely to pass
up a space just because there is someone behind him (who will prob-
ably take the same space if given a chance).
Any comments on this proposal? Has it ever been done? Would a car so
equipped (or so modified) be illegal in some places?
--
Rich Wales // UCLA Computer Science Department // +1 213-825-5683
3531 Boelter Hall // Los Angeles, California 90024 // USA
ARPA: wales@LOCUS.UCLA.EDU -or- wales@UCLA-LOCUS.ARPA
UUCP: ...!(ucbvax,ihnp4)!ucla-cs!waleswales@ucla-cs.UUCP (02/20/86)
[I posted the following article a week ago -- but since I have seen
absolutely no feedback on it, I am assuming it was somehow lost and
am therefore posting it again. -- RBW]
IDEA: Connect the backup lights to the hazard blinkers, so that the
hazard lights would automatically come on whenever the ignition is
on and the car is in reverse.
This feature could be implemented easily in most cars via an addi-
tional relay (with its coil voltage derived from the line to the
backup lights).
Since the backup lights are on only when the ignition is on, this
feature would NOT cause the hazard lights to keep on blinking if the
car were left parked in reverse.
RATIONALE: If someone goes into reverse while on the road (e.g., while
doing a parallel-park maneuver), he presents an increased hazard to
any cars behind him. The car's backup lights might not be easily
visible, especially during the daytime.
One might argue that a driver should not try to parallel-park if
there are cars behind him. However, in actual practice, a driver
desperately looking for a parking place is highly unlikely to pass
up a space just because there is someone behind him (who will prob-
ably take the same space if given a chance).
Any comments on this proposal? Has it ever been done? Would a car so
equipped (or so modified) be illegal in some places?
--
Rich Wales // UCLA Computer Science Department // +1 213-825-5683
3531 Boelter Hall // Los Angeles, California 90024 // USA
ARPA: wales@LOCUS.UCLA.EDU -or- wales@UCLA-LOCUS.ARPA
UUCP: ...!(ucbvax,ihnp4)!ucla-cs!wales