Invisible to other road users

[DrTroy]

Hi all, since getting my car I cant believe how many times I've nearly been driven into. I'm presuming because its low and white (maybe)?

Have DRLs but guessing that arnt bright enough, do you guys swap out your lights for something brighter? Run round with a traffic cone stuck to the top?

I fear down to the law of averages someone is going to run into me soon and I'd like to try and prevent it 

 

Thanks in advance

[SamoL]

I don't think there is a good solution. I don't use my Lotuses in traffic. On a racetrack usually one thing helps: being in control = faster than the others

[Neal H]

Just keep your wits about you! I'm a biker, and if you think you're invisible in an Exige, try a bike! Always assume that every other road user is out to kill you and you'll be fine

 

[Gashead1105]

You need a brighter paint job. Add some gold.

[Bazza 907]

I thought this thread might have been about indicators on Audi cars..

[Stubox]

I find the LED DRL's to be brighter than the lights .....

 

[Bibs]

They are brigher, the lights are woeful. That said, I drive around with my dip beam on all the time in my Elise. Can't hurt... 

[Neal H]

I read an interesting article on this subject a while ago in a motorcycle magazine. It’s all to do with perceived threat. Our brains are hard wired to react to things that we perceive to be a threat, so even if our conscious mind is not fully paying attention to our surroundings, our sub conscious will pick up on the threat.

When we’re driving, large objects will appear threatening - other cars, vans, lorries etc. Smaller objects - pedestrians, cyclists, motorbikes (small plastic sports cars!) won’t, so unless drivers are fully paying attention they’re less likely to pick up on the presence of non-threatening objects. It isn’t just down to visibility.

[Bibs]

There's also a thing where you only scan when you look around and the brain fills in the bits you don't see to make your vision appear continuous. Watch someones eyes as they look left to right and you'll see a series of jerky movements rather than one smooth one. If your scan doesn't register the bike, your brain doesn't register it exists. As you said Neil, that's down to the size of it in your vision. 

[DrTroy]

Hmm maybe have to get some jazzy decals

[Neal H]

Paint it like this. It will definitely appear like a threat at first glance

[alias23]

Maybe invest in a 2bular exhaust and you can scare them in paying attention

[Arun_D]

Stick a Honda Jazz badge on the back and everyone will give you a wide berth. 

You can have the brightest lights or the loudest paint job, but there will always be someone stupid enough to miss you. Neal's advice of absolute vigilance is the best attitude to take. 

[Escape]

22 hours ago, Neal H said:

I read an interesting article on this subject a while ago in a motorcycle magazine. It’s all to do with perceived threat. Our brains are hard wired to react to things that we perceive to be a threat, so even if our conscious mind is not fully paying attention to our surroundings, our sub conscious will pick up on the threat.

When we’re driving, large objects will appear threatening - other cars, vans, lorries etc. Smaller objects - pedestrians, cyclists, motorbikes (small plastic sports cars!) won’t, so unless drivers are fully paying attention they’re less likely to pick up on the presence of non-threatening objects. It isn’t just down to visibility.

Which is why a beat-up old Range Rover with a loud V8 makes a perfect city-car.

Still doesn't stop me from taking the Esprit to work in Brussels, the rare stretches of open road are enough reward to offset the extra vigilance needed in traffic.

[DJW]

Suprised re white car not being noticed, as I could understand  with black .  In my black Exige I always ran with dipped lights.

 In the Evora I run with side lights,  but that's more because I reckon the front lights look better that way

[ramjet]

I always taught my kids that driving their own car had to be almost completely an automatic function. Then use your wits and nouse to drive everyone elses car. I taught them never to trust any other driver.

[DJW]

Being a motorbike rider too,  you gain spider senses.  I find it makes you a much better driver in terms of reading the road and other drivers. 

[ramjet]

Absolutely. I trusted no vehicle or other bike when I was riding mine. I still find it amusing how I can tell that someone is going to change lane before they do. Of course, indicators are optional.

[Trance]

You're welcome!

[GFWilliams]

My old VX220 was matte black and I can't count how many times people nearly drove into me.   Exige is yellow and never had a single situation where someone nearly drove into me...

[Bibs]

But I bet you're more attractive to wasps in the summer

[alias23]

5 hours ago, GFWilliams said:

My old VX220 was matte black and I can't count how many times people nearly drove into me.   Exige is yellow and never had a single situation where someone nearly drove into me...

Also because you're so loud

[ArthouseCompany]

The Lotus DRLs are very bright. You could add some more color to your car and also a loud exhaust helps. 

But it’s true, a Lotus will still be a low and small car and some stupid people can’t imagine how fast it accelerates. 

Like said: You must drive it like a biker 

I sometimes habe the feeling people don’t know what “this thing” is, so they’re unable to see it.

 

 

Edited November 3, 2017 by ArthouseCompany

[Mark030358]

Hope mine isn’t... ???

 

 

[MARTIN_S]

Since my first few weeks when everyone seemed to be out to get me (it was so bad I fitted a new bigger horn!) people now, seem to just move out of my way which always amazes passengers.

Martin S