A too common story for bikers is “I was right there and that car turned in front of me.” According to the Hurt Study, in multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle’s right-of-way and caused the accident in two-thirds of those accidents. The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision. 
Being seen by other traffic has always been an issue for bikers. Many bikers wear high visibility yellow, orange or bright red jackets/helmets. Daytime lights on bikes have also helped. But, headlamp modulators are becoming the latest rage.
What is a headlamp modulator?
While daytime running lights (DRL) are on most bikes manufactured after 1979, headlamp modulators helped you get noticed by flickering high-beam lights. Disliked by some, misunderstood by many, MODULATORS GET YOU NOTICED ! Being noticed improves the odds that you’ll be seen by an inattentive driver and your chance for a collision with an auto is greatly reduced.
What is recommended for installation?
Headlight modulator installation is recommended for the cycle’s HIGH beam element, although it is legal on either high or low beam. The reason the high beam is preferred is because the high beam pattern illuminates the area to the center and left of the bike’s centerline, which is the direction from which the majority of auto-cycle collisions occur… especially oncoming cars turning left in front of the cycle.
Are headlamp modulators illegal?
NO! Headlamp modulators are 100 % legal. The specific regulation on modulators is 49CFR (Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations) Section 571.108, paragraph S7.9.4, entitled “Motorcycle Headlamp Modulation System.”
How do I defend myself if someone says these are illegal?
First, you must make one clear distinction. A modulating headlamp DOES NOT FLASH! Flashing is defined as the rapid turning on and turning off of power to the lamp. With a headlight modulator, the lamp never turns off, but rather power is varied between two different power levels at a specific rate of speed. Therefore it does not flash. It simply modulates (or pulsates, shimmers, twinkles or flickers, if you prefer). Flashing lights are illegal on all but emergency vehicles. But Modulating lights are legal. Second, you can cite the above referenced FEDERAL regulation that outlines the legality of headlamp modulators and point out that federal regulation supersedes what ever law they are trying to claim you are breaking.
We at (800) Bill Ley believe getting noticed helps bikers STAY ALIVE. Check out a headlamp modulator to see if you agree. GET NOTICED! STAY ALIVE!
