Abstract: Side warning lights are provided for elongated motor vehicle such as a truck trailer or truck tanker combination. The side warning lights include first and second plurality of lights arranged on both sides of the vehicle. The lights are selectively energized so that under normal operating conditions one of the plurality of lights will be energized while under other operating conditions the other plurality of lights will be energized. The lights may be of different colors, such as red and yellow/amber. A third plurality of lights may be included which will operate in conjunction with the conventional directional turning lights of the vehicle. The purpose is to cause other drivers to perceive and respond soon to emergencies to thereby reduce collisions.

Abstract: An early warning system for anticipating vehicle braking is provided wherein first and second switches are disposed to monitor a minor depression and substantial depression, respectively, of a vehicle accelerator. The relative time intervals associated with the first and second switches being in closed and opened conditions are time and compared to predetermined intervals defining instances when early warning activation is appropriate and inappropriate. A running light typically included to operate whenever the brake light is not operating, is controlled to blink as the warning signal indicator.

Abstract: An automotive warning and brake light arrangement includes a first lamp adapted to be mounted in the vicinity of a rear vehicle window, for emitting red light to alert a driver of a following vehicle that the leading vehicle's brakes are being applied. A second lamp in close proximity to the first lamp emits amber/yellow light to increase the visual consciousness and to warn the following vehicle driver of the presence of the leading vehicle and to improve the driver's awareness to the region of the leading vehicle's rear window at which the first lamp is located. A switching device associated with the ignition and braking systems of the leading vehicle energizes the first lamp only when the brakes are activated, and energizes the second lamp continuously when the brakes are released and the ignition system is ON.

Abstract: A collision avoidance device for providing integrated and more standardized visual indications and methods as a system of the degree of safety space cushion following distance conditions between leading and following vehicles. The device is mounted on a central housing placed on the rear of a leading vehicle at approximately center eye level for viewing by the drivers of the following vehicles. A safe distance light is included in the housing as well as a brake light. The safe distance signal light includes a plurality of illuminated areas with opaque spaces therebetween. The opaque spaces are of sequentially increasing width or thickness. The opaque spaces will progressively disappear to the view of the driver of the following vehicles with greater distance from the leading vehicle. Additional safety lights can be included such as a green safety light as well as directional signals. The green light can be used to indicate acceleration, or may be used to indicate that the set belts are fastened.

Abstract: The invention describes a vehicle safety device which gives a visual indication to a driver of one vehicle when the distance between his vehicle and another vehicle is safe, unsafe, or where caution must be used for the speed at which he is driving. The device utilizes a plurality of different sized warning areas, each of which is assigned to a particular speed at which a warning is to be provided. The size of the area is larger for faster speeds and is smaller for slower speeds. In a first embodiment, the areas are illuminated windows which are assigned to particular speeds. If a particular window can be seen then at the assigned speed, the distance is too close. At a safe distance the window will merge with the windows assigned to slower speeds. In a second embodiment, the warning areas are darkened areas and for a particular speed, if the corresponding dark area can be seen, the distance is too close. At a safe distance, the darkened area will tend to disappear into the background.