Miata Mailing List: August 1996, Message #73
sponsored by



     


   From: Matt Hess 
Subject: Brake Lights and Handbrake Turns (was Re: How to DETECT Radar
   Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 18:23:33 -0400

At 03:22 PM 8/1/96 -0400, The High Priestess of Miata Grammar (Jeannie
Hobbs) wrote:
  
>>Where I live Radar Detectors are illegal and are confiscated when you are 
>>caught with one. A favorite trick of Harvey Handcuff is to hide beside the
>>road and flick the radar on and nab the guys who flash their brake lights. 
>>Even people obeying the speed limit cant resist hitting the brakes when 
>>the beeper sounds. Makes you feel like you've been had
>>                   Brian           
>
>     This is a clever trick.  However, does anyone know for certain if 
>     Miatas' brake lights flash when you pull on the parking brake lever at 
>     speed?  I know it's bad for your brakes, but "bad for your brakes" is 
>     still cheaper than a speeding ticket PLUS losing your radar detector!
>     
>     I've messed with nasty tailgaters by slowing down via this method 
>     until I get to a turnout (in the TRUCK, people!!  Not the Miata!).  
>     Makes them back off a bit.
>     
>     Jeannie Hobbs
>     Boulder Creek, CA
>     Who doesn't tailgate nastily until at least two turnouts have been 
>     ignored by the offender

The brake lights shouldn't flash since they aren't connected to the parking
brake at all. (At least on US spec cars, I'm not sure about the Canajuns'.)

I have a question for all the 'tricky' drivers on the list. Could someone
please inform me as to the proper procedure for a 'handbrake turn?'

Matt