Ok, this thread is pertinent to my situation and I'm open to suggestions.
I recently got my WWII era WC53 Dodge Carryall on the road and getting it
to and from events presents a problem.
It's slow, 45, maybe 50 MPH top end. To get anywhere in Southern
California you're going to be running on freeway. Traffic moves at 70+ MPH
there, a 20 to 25 MPH speed disparity. I watch them come barrelling up on
me, realizing at the last second I'm not moving at their
speed. Repeatedly, I watch the nose of these approaching vehicles drop as
they jump on the brakes. To make matters worse, they often force their way
over into the next lane, having already reduced speed, and cause a chain
reaction of panic braking and swerving.
It's like playing Russian Roulette, and one of these days the chamber isn't
going to be empty.
So, do I accept the fact that technology has outpaced these old trucks and
stay away from the freeways? I'm not going to be able to purchase a tow
vehicle and trailer capable of moving 5,750 lbs of Dodge any time soon.
Or is there some way I can temporarily light or flag my vehicle so folks
notice it before they have to test their anti-lock brakes? I was thinking
magnetic based amber beacon, but now I don't know. I guess item #3: 4 way
flashers, but I'm still worried they won't be seen.
Any other ideas?
Chris Davis
MVPA# 20000
Lake Forest, CA
'42 WC53 Carryall
><snip>...
> It may be fun rationalize that we are slow
>moving vehicles with poor rear lighting and, and to drive around with the
>amber beacon rotating , but it confuses civilian drivers, and could add more
>danger than it averts.
>
>Bear in mind that even mounting a light/siren on a vehicle in many cases is
>illegal: The blue light does not have to be illuminated for you to be
>charged with criminal impersonation, it just need to me mounted on the
>vehicle.
>
>Some suggested guidelines:
>
>1- Check your States motor vehicle laws and other applicable statutes (i.e.
>impersonation of Police officer...) before mounting lights.
>
>2- If it is legal to mount a light (probably an amber one), check to see
>when you can legally operate it. (i.e. only if you are moving; stopped at an
>accident; moving less than 10 MPH....)
>
>3- If you are worried about being rear ended in you MV, instead of the
>revolving light, hook up and use
>4 way flashers (Permanent or magnetic) (Though using them while moving on a
>vehicle under a certain weight is illegal in some states like NH )
>
>4- Make canvas covers for the lights for when you are operating on public
>ways.
>
>5-If you have a MP Jeep/ M43 ambulance, make blank magnetic strips to
>obliverate the word Police/ Ambulance on the vehicle while you are
>opperating in public.
>
>6- If you mount a siren on the vehicle, do not hook it up. We are not
>emergency vehicles, we do not have the right/need to clear traffic...
>
>7 If you do hook it up, DO NOT use your siren in a parade: It is becoming
>the standard for emergency service to use the siren as a signal to clear the
>parade route for a REAL emergency..
>
>I know that these views will generate some hatred and flames, but think
>about it; does the hobby need a bad reputation based on the illegal actions
>of a few putzes?
>
>Respectfully submitted,
>Hank
>(Waiting for Ron with his counter view<G>)
>Stay tuned; tommorows topic: Fake or real guns on HMVs: What are you
>thinking?
>
>
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Oct 08 2001 - 10:58:56 PDT