[Healeys] 3rd Brake LIght

[Jack Feldman]

The discussion of tube/tubeless tire reminded me that I wanted to
investigate a statement made some time ago about 3rd brake lights being
only 5% effective. I am a firm believer in 3rd brake lights, having tried
to put one on an old PO jeep before 1986..

I googled it and came up with a Department of Transportation study of the
issue:  http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/808696.pdf

The person who said 5% was optimistic. The study shows that initially. it
was effective 8/5%, of the time,  but as people go used to them the
effectiveness dropped to 4.3 percent. I still believe in them, having
installed both the lights behind the reflector and the Chevy Malibu
modification. on my BT7.  My MGC has one that I got at a flea-market. It
was made for the aftermarket, clipping on the boot. The GT has one in the
rear window.

However, the report concludes that "Even though the effectiveness of CHMSL
has declined from its initial levels, the lamps are and will continue to be
highly  cost-effective safety devices."  I'm not sure that 4/3% is so
great, but obviously, I would rather have one than not.

Jack