subject: TAILER MADE Taillights: To protect from untoward incidents [print this page] What is special about taillights on a car? To indicate the trailing driver your braking, turning and reversing intentions..? Quite right. This seems to be the only answer to this apparently easy question. Rather this 'was' the only answer up till now because now taillights have a purpose much beyond that. Innovations keep happening and they keep surprising us. First let's talk about what's latest in design moving on to innovations in purpose.
Take LED taillights for a start. From a single incandescent bulb, trends have moved on to numerous small light emitting diodes. They draw less power from the battery, last longer than conventional bulbs, and are more visually bright as well as striking. The reflective mirrors inside the compartment where the bulbs fit, further increase the power and range of the light coming out. This helps in foggy weather conditions when it becomes difficult for drivers to ascertain the presence of, and the distance they are from fellow drivers. This may; however be the design aspect of dodge taillights. Technology today has enabled brakelights to play a role in preventing dangerous accidents. A feature called 'Flashing Taillights' turns the brake lights into a man with a weasel in his underpants. Upon being braked hard, the brake lights flash rapidly indicating the driver following to brake hard. This may seem a plain jane trick, a bit rural, but actual road tests have shown that drivers were able to respond even without being explained the purpose of it at all. The American car maker DODGE, among many others like INTEGRA have put this technology to good use in their Acura Integra Altezza Taillights. Japanese auto major ACURA too figures in the list.
Car manufacturers sometimes outsource a lot of key equipment fitted in their products. Sometimes it is because of high production costs or that they do not have the required technology or simply because there are specific manufacturers of those particular equipment providing the best quality products in their business. These parts include air conditioning equipment, shock absorbers, and radiators for Dodge Cold Air Intake, airbags, windshields etc
Whatever the use may be of radiators, windshields, airbags, and the like, they cannot quite match up to one very relevant use of taillights. Specially if you are one (in) famous Mr. Bean behind the wheel. A freshly painted wall may give you this urge to take a leak against it. Flashing taillights might as well teach the driver following you respect the urgency of it.
Until the need arises, brake gently and save fuel.
TAILER MADE Taillights: To protect from untoward incidents
