Back in late October there was a discussion of the benefits of LED lamp
units in LBC's. Here is a link to an interesting paper on a benefit of
using them. Specifically, they light up very quickly which means they can
be seen sooner by the driver behind you (assuming they aren't on the phone,
brushing their teeth, or eating breakfast, etc) The quicker lighting can
mean a car length worth of shorter stopping distance. If you are inclined
to read "scholarly" papers, here is the link: (it is readily
understandable) http://chemistry.beloit.edu/BlueLight/pages/hp/an1155-3.pdf
Tim
ps. It would be interesting to speculate what effect this might have in a
racing situation. Would the lights help or hurt you in a race? Your
"opponent" would know your braking point 200 milliseconds sooner with LED's
than with filament bulbs. Given the number of times you might brake during
a race, there could be an advantage to the guy behind you. Maybe you would
want your friends to use them, but not use them yourself.
(I can already hear it; "I'm always the guy in front" or "I never touch the
brakes in a race.")
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