Interpretation ID: nht89-2.81
TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA
DATE: 08/24/89
FROM: WILLIAM E. ALKIRE -- BRAKE LIGHT ENHANCER INC
TO: TAYLOR VINSON -- NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION CHIEF COUNSEL U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
TITLE: BRAKE LIGHT ENHANCER
ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 11/28/89 FROM STEPHEN P WOOD -- NHTSA TO WILLIAM E. ALKIRE -- BRAKELIGHT ENHANCER, REDBOOK A34, STANDARD 108; SENATE BILL NO 684, CHAPTER 410; APPROVED 07/27/83; SENATE BILL NO 1317, AMENDED IN SENATE MARCH 8, 1982; INT RODUCED BY SENATOR JOHNSON ON 01/07/1982
TEXT: Dear Mr. Vinson,
Thank you for returning my call this morning.
The BRAKE LIGHT ENHANCER (patent #4403210) is a safety device intended to flash the brake lights of a motor vehicle three (3) times within the first two (2) seconds of actuation, then remain continuously illuminated.
The BRAKE LIGHT ENHANCER is 3" x 3" x 1/2" in size and is constructed using Underwriter Laboratory approved switching components. The purpose of this safety device is to provide a more eye catching braking or deceleration signal for following drivers. The circuit may be connected between the rear signal lamps brake light switch and flasher, in a conventional vehicle lighting system. When the turn signal switch is activated, BRAKE LIGHT ENHANCER circuits are disabled so that only conventional brake lig hting occurs, thereby preventing confusion of following drivers.
The BRAKE LIGHT ENHANCER is designed to allow a capacity of 300 watts. All units are built with the following "fail safe" modes.
1. Should the main power handling semiconductor device open, the BRAKE LIGHT ENHANCER operation is as follows:
When the brake pedal is applied, the brake lights remain on continuously as long as the brake pedal is applied.
2. Should the main power handling semiconductor device short, the BRAKE LIGHT ENHANCER operation is as follows:
When the brake pedal is applied, the lights remain on continuously as long as the brake pedal is applied.
3. Should the relay contacts not complete the electrical circuit, the BRAKE LIGHT operation is as follows:
When the brake pedal is applied, the brake lights remain on continuously as long as the brake pedal is applied.
4. Should the relay coil not open the contacts, the BRAKE LIGHT ENHANCER operation is as follows:
When the brake is applied, the lights remain on continuously as long as the brake pedal is applied.
Our research indicates an overwhelming acceptance of the increased brake light effectiveness, created by use of the BRAKE LIGHT ENHANCER.
We look forward to your comments.
ENCL: AMENDEMENT