Recommended Headlight Modulator

[Jim O]

I am considering the headlight modulator at this link https://www.kisantech.com/view_product.php?product=P75W# for my 2007 VN1600D. It is a Kisan P75W Pathblazer. I'm using the stock headlight bulb as my bike only has 1,700 miles on it.

Does anyone have recommendations for an alternative modulator, or comments on using this one? I will also be looking for a brake light modulator...my last one (on a 07 Shadow) was a 'Back Off' model.

Thanks!

[Old Bear]

I went with Signal Dynamics' (https://signaldynamics.com/index.php/products/led-lighting?page=shop.browse&category_id=42&vmcchk=1) modulator. I've been pleased with it, only issue is that it seems to occasionally turn off by itself. I would like an option for some visible driver notification that it is on, but I don't know of any of the modulators that have that. It also modulates both the high and low beam, you can switch between two different modulation frequencies, or turn it off. Other than that, placement of the light sensor, used to turn off the modulation for compliance with legal requirements, is something to tinker with before permanently mounting. While I would like mine to stay on a little longer than it does, I certainly don't want to give LEO anything to complain about!

[cactusjack]

1700 miles on a 7 year old bike? What do you need a headlight modulator for? I had 1700 miles on my 2007 Nomad before I'd had it three weeks.

[xlock]

1700 miles on a 7 year old bike? What do you need a headlight modulator for? I had 1700 miles on my 2007 Nomad before I'd had it three weeks.

He just purchased it a couple weeks ago and then had it gone through due to the low mileage, you were the first responder to the thread....

http://vulcanbagger.com/forums/showthread.php?p=532614#post532614

Welcome from just down the road in Concord Jim O; no input on the modulators though as I don't use them.

[Jim O]

Cactus WAS the first response to my introduction message! Any way, the PO had a problem driving, having had a stroke and now being blind, so it sat in his garage for quite a few years. I just washed it good this morning and it's going to take some serious elbow grease to clean that chrome up.

[cactusjack]

Ah, okay. Sorry, I don't remember all the newbies by name for awhile.

[usranger74]

This may help.

http://www.gadgetjq.com/headlightmodulator.htm

[jlreeves]

While I haven't used their headlight modulator, I use their SignalMinder (turn canceller, back off flash, parade flash , hazard flash), VectraLight (tail light extension to mirrors) and Brake Light Modulator. I've had these on two separate bikes. They run perfectly and have never had one fail. I also had a good customer service experience. When I got the VectraLights for my Nomad, the cable wasn't long enough. I contacted customer support who promptly sent out a pair of 6' extension at no cost to me. eBay pricing can sometime beat their catalog.

[Dave]

I've used a Kisan modulator on all my bikes.

[Jim O]

This may help.

http://www.gadgetjq.com/headlightmodulator.htm

Yep! That is where my search got started! This forum is FULL of outstanding infomation, resources, and people. Thanks!

[jestephens]

headlight modulators are to me what loud pipes are to TC.

I'll be nice and leave it at that ;)

[jlreeves]

headlight modulators are to me what loud pipes are to TC.

I'll be nice and leave it at that ;)

I dont like headlight modulators either. We have wig-wag on emergency apparatus and I turn the things off.

Get back flash for tail lights make sense though.

[Sin City Stan]

Installed the Signal Dynamics modulator two years ago and have not had a problem. I've had a couple incidents when closing in behind a car that they slow down even more and start to pull over thinking I'm a LEO. The other thing that occasionally happens is someone will go out of their way to make sure I know that there's some sort of loose connection in my headlight. :D

[Jllm02199]

I've ran a Kisan for 10 years. Works great. All I have to watch out for is in Florida the old people mistake it for and emergency signal. Coming up from behind they will just stop in the road.

[Sin City Stan]

I've ran a Kisan for 10 years. Works great. All I have to watch out for is in Florida the old people mistake it for and emergency signal. Coming up from behind they will just stop in the road.

Yeah, that can happen.

[glwilson]

headlight modulators are to me what loud pipes are to TC.

I'll be nice and leave it at that ;)

I'll have to second the motion on that...

If you want to be seen, just wear blaze-orange clothing and be done with it. There is no confusion with blaze-orange... and everyone can see you for miles.:cheers:

[Vulcan Bill]

I use the budget Po Boy manually operated modulator. Its called the high/low beam switch. Just rock it up and down when you approach an intersection. Don't know if it really improves my visability but it sure makes me feel a little safer. http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/images/icons/crazy3.gifhttp://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/images/icons/ornwink.gif

[Sin City Stan]

I'll have to second the motion on that...

If you want to be seen, just wear blaze-orange clothing and be done with it. There is no confusion with blaze-orange... and everyone can see you for miles.:cheers:

But I don't want to wear blaze orange. I want to modulate my headlight. :yep:

[glwilson]

But I don't want to wear blaze orange. I want to modulate my headlight. :yep:

But you look great in blaze-orange Stan...:P:D

[Old Bear]

I personally like that the Signal Dynamics module modulates both the high and low beam. I normally leave mine on low beam. It seems folks still notice and respond to it, but it isn't nearly as annoying as the high beam when trailing someone. When I am coming into a high traffic area with significant traffic entering and crossing, I'll flip on the high beam, as I know the cagers, just as I do, have a lot more information they are having to process. And most of the time, I also wear a safety yellow (I call it barf-green) Bohn Armor jacket. I also know most of that jacket is "hidden" behind my faring, so unless the cager also has X-Ray vision, it isn't helping much!

[Top Cat]

headlight modulators are to me what loud pipes are to TC.

I'll be nice and leave it at that ;)

:D I don't like headlight modulators either but nothing makes me >:(more than loud pipes.
I run driving lights and my headlight on high beam during the day time. Worked for me so far.

[glwilson]

I personally like that the Signal Dynamics module modulates both the high and low beam. I normally leave mine on low beam. It seems folks still notice and respond to it, but it isn't nearly as annoying as the high beam when trailing someone. When I am coming into a high traffic area with significant traffic entering and crossing, I'll flip on the high beam, as I know the cagers, just as I do, have a lot more information they are having to process. And most of the time, I also wear a safety yellow (I call it barf-green) Bohn Armor jacket. I also know most of that jacket is "hidden" behind my faring, so unless the cager also has X-Ray vision, it isn't helping much!

You could always get a "barf-green" helmet so you can be seen above your fairing. Then you would have the complete outfit! :D :cheers:

[Old Bear]

You could always get a "barf-green" helmet so you can be seen above your fairing. Then you would have the complete outfit! :D :cheers:
Now that just sounds nasty, couldn't imagine wearing it! You first! :tup:

[glwilson]

Now that just sounds nasty, couldn't imagine wearing it! You first! :tup:

I saw an blaze-orange one once in the cut-out bin at a HD dealer...

I teased my wife and said I was going to buy it.

She said she wasn't going to blinded by blaze-orange when riding two-up with me, so buying it was NOT going to happen! :lmao:

I relented since she had a point...:D:cheers:

[jestephens]

I just want people to understand there are differences in levels of visibility, and IMHO that translates to varying degrees of safety.

Noticeable - Annoying - Distracting

in terms of headlamps this translates (to me): Driving Lights - High Beam - Modulator

as always, "to each his own", but I will always pull over for a modulating headlight in my rear view, because I don't want to see it :cheers:

[ldhthept]

Use headlight and brake light modulators on all my bikes. You do have a "visible driver indicator that it is on"... Turn your high beam on, the indicator light on the gas tank comes on. If your modulator is working this light will flash.

[GIBBY]

Headlight modulators make my brain hurt and I do not like it when my brain hurts >:
I have tee'd it up now take your swings.

[Old Bear]

Use headlight and brake light modulators on all my bikes. You do have a "visible driver indicator that it is on"... Turn your high beam on, the indicator light on the gas tank comes on. If your modulator is working this light will flash.
Not on the Signal Dynamics unit. My only way to know is to go to high beam so I can see the reflection from road signs. If I'm on low beam, when stopped at traffic lights I can get close enough to the cage in front to pick up the reflection.

[glwilson]

I just want people to understand there are differences in levels of visibility, and IMHO that translates to varying degrees of safety.

Noticeable - Annoying - Distracting

in terms of headlamps this translates (to me): Driving Lights - High Beam - Modulator

as always, "to each his own", but I will always pull over for a modulating headlight in my rear view, because I don't want to see it :cheers:

MSF recommends high beam for daylight riding... Just thought I would mention that.:D

[glwilson]

Headlight modulators make my brain hurt and I do not like it when my brain hurts >:
I have tee'd it up now take your swings.

Your brain hurts? Your face is killing me...:lmao: :P

You said you tee'd it up!:D:cheers:

[Sin City Stan]

We normally ride alone and the hi beam is on and modulating. I turn it off when in a group. If I upset some cagers, well, at least they are aware of me. As far as blaze orange or some other glow in the dark color the modulating headlight is seen and recognized at a much greater distance to a point people wonder what the hell that thing is. :D

[Jim O]

Just for the record...you guys are awesome! Conflicting opinions, without all the conflict! The modulator on my last bike most definitely stopped at least two drivers from pulling out in front of me. I could add loud pipes that blow out blaze-orange streamers, but that might be taking it too far! ;-)

[hammer]

I have a brake light modulator because I have been rear ended. Yah that hurts and it's hard to see it coming or adjust in time if you do.

To help people see me coming I added a brighter head light bulb, 55w driving lights and lower amber lights where the useless reflectors used to be by the front brake calipers. This creates what looks to be a larger mass to people preparing to turn. So it appears that the bike is closer than it really is which is a good thing. I also, at times, aim at drivers a bit and flash if I can't make eye contact or see their head turn my way.

From what I have read and heard, cagers tend to turn because a single headlight makes the bike appear to be further away so they think they have time. Of course some are just stupid, blind, drunk, phsychotic or brain dead so even a modulator may not make the difference.

[MADTIME]

Went to a skills day that was headed by a 30 plus year motorcycle officer. He suggested not to have a headlight modulator. His reasoning was that flashing your lights means you can go ahead of me or pull out. There was no argument amonst the 30 plus riders that were there.

[Yellow Jacket]

Went to a skills day that was headed by a 30 plus year motorcycle officer. He suggested not to have a headlight modulator. His reasoning was that flashing your lights means you can go ahead of me or pull out. There was no argument amonst the 30 plus riders that were there.

I've heard that before. But there is a big difference between "flashing" your lights and the constant dim-bright-dim continuous cycle of a modulator.

Just because some folks don't like them doesn't mean that they're not effective.

[petenomad]

I don't buy that for a minute. Headlight modulators are continuous. Flashing your lights is not. I think he just didn't like them.

[MADTIME]

Just passing on info. His goal that day was for us to learn how to be seen and place yourself out of harms way when riding. Always to ride invisible

[Sin City Stan]

I've heard that before. But there is a big difference between "flashing" your lights and the constant dim-bright-dim continuous cycle of a modulator.

Just because some folks don't like them doesn't mean that they're not effective.

They're called modulators because the lamp never turns off. If it did it would be called a flasher and be illegal in all States. Flashing the lights to signal someone to turn is not common across the USA. The two actions are not similar. Now flashing the lights to signal get the hell out of the left lane so I can get by is pretty common and an accepted practice. :D

[hammer]

His goal that day was for us to learn how to be seen and place yourself out of harms way when riding. Always to ride invisible

OK that part I get and subscribe to. High visibility gear and modulators may be useful but relying on them is just dangerous as far as I am concerned. That's what they mean by having an "attitude that you ARE invisible" and then do what you can to avoid problems. From what I have seen from experience is, try to get them to at least see you when it counts.

The bottom lights I put on was based on a suggestion from a long-serving motocop and some science. I still ride assuming I am invisible and that there are stupid, blind, drunk, psychotic or brain dead drivers that would not see you if you were lit up like a Christmas tree. A 6th sense based on experience may be the only defense with that.

[glwilson]

I still think modulators are obnoxious... and that Stan would look great in a complete, top-to-bottom blaze-orange outfit! :P :D :cheers:

[Old Bear]

I still think modulators are obnoxious... and that Stan would look great in a complete, top-to-bottom blaze-orange outfit! :P :D :cheers:
Oh, you just want to see Stan in tights again, you don't care about the color! :lol:

[Sin City Stan]

Oh, you just want to see Stan in tights again, you don't care about the color! :lol:

This thread has somehow drifted away from the original subject. I think it's time to close this thread. :yep:

[cactusjack]

I've heard that before. But there is a big difference between "flashing" your lights and the constant dim-bright-dim continuous cycle of a modulator.

Just because some folks don't like them doesn't mean that they're not effective.

People still buy and install deer whistles, too. Those have proven to be ineffective as well.

[russ56]

So, CJ do you not think a blinking headlight would be more noticeable to oncoming traffic at intersections and possibly prevent the all too common left hand turn in front of and collision with a motorcycle because they didn't see it coming? Personally I'm all for anything that might improve my survival odds.

[Yellow Jacket]

I've heard that before. But there is a big difference between "flashing" your lights and the constant dim-bright-dim continuous cycle of a modulator.

Just because some folks don't like them doesn't mean that they're not effective.


People still buy and install deer whistles, too. Those have proven to be ineffective as well.

OK, personal experience. I have seen many oncoming motorcyles that have modulators in operation and many that don't.

The ones with modulators are MUCH more noticeable than the ones without.

Several times while I have had my modulator running I have had several oncoming vehicles slow down and actually pull to the very right of their lane. This has NEVER happened when I don't have the modulator running. It will be very hard to convince me that they didn't notice the modulator or that the modulator is "ineffective."

On the same subject of being seen, in my personal experience, I have found that I can see motorcyle riders that are wearing bright yellow clothing or helmets MUCH easier than those who wear dark or black clothing or helmets.

I do agree with those that have said that you can't rely on any of this to make you safe. You can only rely on being as defensive as possible.

But, I think it is foolish to not try to make yourself as visible to other drivers as you possibly can. If you do anything to increase your visibility you increase your chances of them not running into you.

In Georgia, all of the school buses now have white strobe lights mounted on the top of the back end of the bus. Why would something as large as a big yellow school bus need a strobe light? Apparently someone thought it would make them more visible.

Therefore, regardless of what anyone says, I will continue to use my modulator when I feel the need and I will continue to wear bright yellow clothing along with my bright yellow helmet. I will still ride as if every vehicle I meet intends to kill me.

Everyone has the right to their opinion and the choices they make. I'll choose what I believe is right for me. My choices may/probably will not be right for others. That's the way life is.

[Sin City Stan]

OK, personal experience. I have seen many oncoming motorcyles that have modulators in operation and many that don't.

The ones with modulators are MUCH more noticeable than the ones without.

Several times while I have had my modulator running I have had several oncoming vehicles slow down and actually pull to the very right of their lane. This has NEVER happened when I don't have the modulator running. It will be very hard to convince me that they didn't notice the modulator or that the modulator is "ineffective."

On the same subject of being seen, in my personal experience, I have found that I can see motorcyle riders that are wearing bright yellow clothing or helmets MUCH easier than those who wear dark or black clothing or helmets.

I do agree with those that have said that you can't rely on any of this to make you safe. You can only rely on being as defensive as possible.

But, I think it is foolish to not try to make yourself as visible to other drivers as you possibly can. If you do anything to increase your visibility you increase your chances of them not running into you.

In Georgia, all of the school buses now have white strobe lights mounted on the top of the back end of the bus. Why would something as large as a big yellow school bus need a strobe light? Apparently someone thought it would make them more visible.

Therefore, regardless of what anyone says, I will continue to use my modulator when I feel the need and I will continue to wear bright yellow clothing along with my bright yellow helmet. I will still ride as if every vehicle I meet intends to kill me.

Everyone has the right to their opinion and the choices they make. I'll choose what I believe is right for me. My choices may/probably will not be right for others. That's the way life is.

Yeah, what he said.

[cactusjack]

So, CJ do you not think a blinking headlight would be more noticeable to oncoming traffic at intersections and possibly prevent the all too common left hand turn in front of and collision with a motorcycle because they didn't see it coming? Personally I'm all for anything that might improve my survival odds.

My PERSONAL opinion is that headlight modulators are annoyances. I have turned my driving lights on in traffic and moron drivers in front of me have pulled over because they thought I was a cop. You can't underestimate the stupidity of the average driver. I wouldn't presume to think most of them have any clue about a modulating headlight, either.

If someone wants to have modulating lights and neon-colored clothes and it makes them feel safe, then who am I to question their reasoning? You ride your way, and I'll ride mine.

[Top Cat]

My PERSONAL opinion is that headlight modulators are annoyances. I have turned my driving lights on in traffic and moron drivers in front of me have pulled over because they thought I was a cop. You can't underestimate the stupidity of the average driver. I wouldn't presume to think most of them have any clue about a modulating headlight, either.

If someone wants to have modulating lights and neon-colored clothes and it makes them feel safe, then who am I to question their reasoning? You ride your way, and I'll ride mine.

+1 What he said :yep:

[Jim O]

I was not 'trolling' when I asked my question. I know there are two different camps when it comes to the use of headlight modulators. Some folks choose to not ride at night; others choose to not ride in rain; some choose to not ride at all. Of the comments about modulators, the ones I found useful made me give consideration to low-beam modulators. My last one was high-beam only...which I'm certain did annoy some folks on the road. I never had anyone appear to mistake me for a police vehicle though...that I could tell, anyway. Thanks for all the recommendations and comments. Hope to see you guys on the road some day!

[glwilson]

Oh, you just want to see Stan in tights again, you don't care about the color! :lol:

:lol: Well... you have to admit... he would look hilarious.:lmao::cheers:

[glwilson]

I am going to paint my bike blaze-orange; wear puke-blaze-green clothing; get the loudest pipes; a blasting air-horn; sparklers; reflectors; fireworks; and a police escort.

Now there... I should be more visible than anyone and more safe... I may be annoying, but I will be more visible and safe. :D:cheers:

In all seriousness... I would prefer everyone to ride how they feel most comfortable and safe -- however having modulators, blaze-orange clothes and etc is less valuable than advanced training for motorcycle riding. If anyone has not attended an advanced training course... then in my opinion you have not done the most valuable thing you can do for your riding safety.

Many years of riding does NOT mean a person is skilled. It only means they have ridden for years... and possibly with bad skills (and luck) all that time. Luck can run out on bad skills some day.

Lights, colors and etc will not make up for poor skills. Most accidents can be avoided with better riding and awareness skills.

Think about it...

[MADTIME]

I am going to paint my bike blaze-orange; wear puke-blaze-green clothing; get the loudest pipes; a blasting air-horn; sparklers; reflectors; fireworks; and a police escort.

Now there... I should be more visible than anyone and more safe... I may be annoying, but I will be more visible and safe. :D:cheers:

In all seriousness... I would prefer everyone to ride how they feel most comfortable and safe -- however having modulators, blaze-orange clothes and etc is less valuable than advanced training for motorcycle riding. If anyone has not attended an advanced training course... then in my opinion you have not done the most valuable thing you can do for your riding safety.

Many years of riding does NOT mean a person is skilled. It only means they have ridden for years... and possibly with bad skills (and luck) all that time. Luck can run out on bad skills some day.

Lights, colors and etc will not make up for poor skills. Most accidents can be avoided with better riding and awareness skills.

Think about it...

That is good

[Sin City Stan]

Oh, you just want to see Stan in tights again, you don't care about the color! :lol:

:lol: Well... you have to admit... he would look hilarious.:lmao::cheers:

That's it!! Thread closed!!

[glwilson]

That's it!! Thread closed!!

:lmao: Ah... come on Stan! Where's your humor? :P:D:cheers:

[jestephens]

MSF recommends high beam for daylight riding... Just thought I would mention that.:D

It's just as annoying as the senior citizens that drive around with their high beams on.

MSF may recommend it, but other laws discourage and prohibit it. I'll follow the law in this case

[glwilson]

It's just as annoying as the senior citizens that drive around with their high beams on.

MSF may recommend it, but other laws discourage and prohibit it. I'll follow the law in this case

I have not heard or aware of it being illegal in Illinois to use your motorcycle high beams during the day. :???:

At night... it is... in city limits and with oncoming traffic; which is logical.

I will still use high beams during the day no matter though...

[Top Cat]

It's just as annoying as the senior citizens that drive around with their high beams on.


I don't think so.
Car headlights on high beam are way brighter than motorcycle headlights on high beam in my opinion.
I ride with my headlight on high beam and my spot lights on all the time with the exception of night time meeting an on coming vehicle.
Never had a car give me the high beam in the daytime.

[macmac]

:D I don't like headlight modulators either but nothing makes me >:(more than loud pipes.
I run driving lights and my headlight on high beam during the day time. Worked for me so far.

That's what I do.... flashing lamps on the ft of a thing to me means someone is letting me get my way.... Flashing lamps in red mean Hold that thought, I'm gonna die! So I run a BACK OFF. I also added 2 tail lamps for Run / Brake which is a total of 3 lamps and since there is no back up lamp bulb in the 1600's as USED to be standard on bikes. Even the 1500's had 2 bulbs in the rear taillight lense.

[macmac]

It's just as annoying as the senior citizens that drive around with their high beams on.

MSF may recommend it, but other laws discourage and prohibit it. I'll follow the law in this case

Well you will have to shoot me to stop me from riding around with hi beam ON in the day time. beware i can shoot back :D

I will yell as loud as i can at any riders behind me with out Hi Beam ON in the day time too. The more lights on in day time the better so far as I am concerned.

Any rider i don't see behind me is err well :shrug: Who cares... :P

[Northern Dancer]

OK, personal experience. I have seen many oncoming motorcyles that have modulators in operation and many that don't.

The ones with modulators are MUCH more noticeable than the ones without.

Several times while I have had my modulator running I have had several oncoming vehicles slow down and actually pull to the very right of their lane. This has NEVER happened when I don't have the modulator running. It will be very hard to convince me that they didn't notice the modulator or that the modulator is "ineffective."

On the same subject of being seen, in my personal experience, I have found that I can see motorcyle riders that are wearing bright yellow clothing or helmets MUCH easier than those who wear dark or black clothing or helmets.

I do agree with those that have said that you can't rely on any of this to make you safe. You can only rely on being as defensive as possible.

But, I think it is foolish to not try to make yourself as visible to other drivers as you possibly can. If you do anything to increase your visibility you increase your chances of them not running into you.

In Georgia, all of the school buses now have white strobe lights mounted on the top of the back end of the bus. Why would something as large as a big yellow school bus need a strobe light? Apparently someone thought it would make them more visible.

Therefore, regardless of what anyone says, I will continue to use my modulator when I feel the need and I will continue to wear bright yellow clothing along with my bright yellow helmet. I will still ride as if every vehicle I meet intends to kill me.

Everyone has the right to their opinion and the choices they make. I'll choose what I believe is right for me. My choices may/probably will not be right for others. That's the way life is.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I very much agree with the above and use Signal Dynamics' (https://signaldynamics.com/index.php/products/led-lighting?page=shop.browse&category_id=42&vmcchk=1) modulator also:

I modulate Silver Star Head lights on Low Beam on all 4 of my Motorcycles and only Modulate the High Beams if there is nobody in sight.

Many times I have seen other drivers take sudden action to stop when they were starting to turn in front of me or pulling out from a stop sign.

I could tell it was the modulator that most likely got there attention. So far we that run modulators are in the minority so we stand out -- if everyone was to start using them then the Cagers might not notice us anymore.

Northern Dancer,

Ron

[jestephens]

I don't think so.
Car headlights on high beam are way brighter than motorcycle headlights on high beam in my opinion.
I ride with my headlight on high beam and my spot lights on all the time with the exception of night time meeting an on coming vehicle.
Never had a car give me the high beam in the daytime.

We use the same bulb as a car, so the wattage is the same....
I stopped flashing brights at people that have them on too. It seems they don't care

I have not heard or aware of it being illegal in Illinois to use your motorcycle high beams during the day. :???:
At night... it is... in city limits and with oncoming traffic; which is logical.
I will still use high beams during the day no matter though...

In general: "The exact distance varies from state to state, but generally you are required to lower your high beams when you come within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. When you approach a car moving in the same direction, lights need to be dimmed within approximately 350 feet. Generally this is also true when approaching people or other significant objects. You are allowed, however, to remind other drivers to dim their high beams by quickly flicking your brights on and off."


Which reads almost verbatim to Illinois dmv.org
"Illinois law states that motorists must use their headlights from sunset to sunrise and when rain, snow, fog, or poor weather conditions require the use of windshield wipers. Headlights are legally required when objects 1,000 feet away from your vehicle are not visible. Your lights must be dimmed 500 feet before meeting an oncoming vehicle, or 300 feet before you plan to pass another vehicle.
Motorcycles must be equipped with one headlight that shows objects 500 feet ahead. However, the motorcycle's headlight must remain on whenever the vehicle is in operation."

Some recent cars actually kill the headlight on the side of your blinking turn signal too. Because the headlamp reduces the visibility of your turn signal. If your light is too bright, it makes other details non-discernible


In WWII, there were experiments using bright lights on aircraft as camouflage. Of course, at the time, battery power and weight were prohibitive.
Principle of Yehudi Lights with Avenger head-on view.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Principle_of_Yehudi_Lights_with_Avenger_head-on_view.jpg/800px-Principle_of_Yehudi_Lights_with_Avenger_head-on_view.jpg