.gif)
Wig-wag (automobile)
Encyclopedia
A wig-wag is a device for flashing an automobile
's headlights at a preset rate. Traditionally, the wig-wag will flash the right and left headlights (often the high-beams) alternately, but some designs will flash both headlights on and off together. More complex wig-wags may cycle through several patterns, such as swiftly alternating the left and right headlights, alternating the left and right headlights slowly, flashing both headlights together, and then repeating the cycle.
Although the use of flashing headlights does increase the visibility of any vehicle operating them, it can also create problems. Particularly when highbeam headlights are flashed, the wig-wag may create glare or may otherwise temporarily blind the drivers of oncoming vehicles. Wig-wags may also cause "moth effect", in which other drivers are attracted to the flashing lights, ultimately causing them to ram the vehicle in which those lights are installed; this continues to be debated.
Generally, wig-wags are prohibited on all vehicles except emergency vehicles, however the road rules in New South Wales
, Australia
, and some areas in the United States allow school buses to have flashing headlights. Additionally, in some locations, motorcycles are permitted to use a flashing headlight during daytime hours in order to increase visibility.
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
's headlights at a preset rate. Traditionally, the wig-wag will flash the right and left headlights (often the high-beams) alternately, but some designs will flash both headlights on and off together. More complex wig-wags may cycle through several patterns, such as swiftly alternating the left and right headlights, alternating the left and right headlights slowly, flashing both headlights together, and then repeating the cycle.
Although the use of flashing headlights does increase the visibility of any vehicle operating them, it can also create problems. Particularly when highbeam headlights are flashed, the wig-wag may create glare or may otherwise temporarily blind the drivers of oncoming vehicles. Wig-wags may also cause "moth effect", in which other drivers are attracted to the flashing lights, ultimately causing them to ram the vehicle in which those lights are installed; this continues to be debated.
Generally, wig-wags are prohibited on all vehicles except emergency vehicles, however the road rules in New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, and some areas in the United States allow school buses to have flashing headlights. Additionally, in some locations, motorcycles are permitted to use a flashing headlight during daytime hours in order to increase visibility.
