[Rich'sFroggy]

I can't see stoplights when I'm the head car at the light. The steep angle of the Mini's windscreen makes me have to lean forward and peer up to watch for the light change. Anyone else have this problem? I'm 5' 8".

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't want my Mini any other way. It's just a little annoying.

It's less of a problem at night because then you can see the color radiance of the light for the road paralell to you.

[Aqualung]

I've seen this recommended by others, haven't tried it myself...http://www.lightinsight.com./

[Bilbo Baggins]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rich'sFroggy

I can't see stoplights when I'm the head car at the light. The steep angle of the Mini's windscreen makes me have to lean forward and peer up to watch for the light change. Anyone else have this problem? I'm 5' 8".

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't want my Mini any other way. It's just a little annoying.

It's less of a problem at night because then you can see the color radiance of the light for the road paralell to you.

If you think you have a problem, I'm 6'2" at can't see squat. But would not change anything.

The "lightsight" thing works great. Several months ago I could not get into their web site. It is working now and I just ordered one for my MCS.

Actually, I think it might be a good thing in that it will encourage people not to creep out into the intersections. If you stop back a bit further from the light it isn't quite so bothersome.

[T13 Fighter]

All mini owners have been suffering that since 1959! you should try it in a classic mini with 4 point race harnesses when you can't physically lean forward!

[dansmini]

Yep, I'm 6'1 and I have this problem, too. Especially in small towns (like mine) where the lights are very close to the intersection. I did finally crank the seat lower, and that helped a lot. Doing this also gives you the feeling you expect when sitting in a sports car in that you don't just hop into the car. You have to sit down, way down, which I kind of like!

By aqualung:
"I've seen this recommended by others, haven't tried it myself...http://www.lightinsight.com./"

Wow, only 12.95 plus 2.95 shipping?! Not too bad. I may order one of these! Thanks!

edit: And I just noticed it's right down the street from me! I will let you guys know how these work!

[KatanaPilot]

I have been using the lightinsight for about a half year now. I never have to lean forward to look at the traffic lights. The only downside is that the focal distance is much shorter than the actual light, but I get around it by not focusing on the image. Afterall, all I need to know is the color of the light, and it does its job perfectly.

[the W'rkncacnter]

They say that in England no one has this problem because the stop lights are on poles on the sides of streets, not hanging over the street on a bar like they are in the US. I haven't really noticed this problem because in DC most of the lights are mounted english-style. However I did notice this when I took my first test drive. Like others say, its just a minor annoyance. I actually kind of like it, it reminds me I've got a cool car every time I have to bend over to see the stop light, kinda like the rough ride on the MCS, it just reminds you how good your suspension is

[MoonPie]

Quote: Originally Posted by Aqualung

I've seen this recommended by others, haven't tried it myself...http://www.lightinsight.com./

to save in shipping costs and just for ease, we did a small group buy, let me tell you it works!!! I'm not that tall and had issues at some lights...can't imagine being 6' or taller and not seeing the lights.


highly recommend it!!!

[ScottyB]

We have lights on the other side of intersections here in Oz, so its not a problem

Definately couldnt see the ones above me on this side though on test drives.

[goonermini]

When recently driving in France, I noticed that their traffic lights also have a mini traffic light half way down the pole (in addition to the main ones at the top). So if you are the front car you only have to peer through your side window to see_the_light!

gm

[ruthie]

Quote: Originally Posted by Aqualung

I've seen this recommended by others, haven't tried it myself...http://www.lightinsight.com./

Great idea. I may get one. Thanks for the info.

[LordWinslow]

Quote: Originally Posted by goonermini

When recently driving in France, I noticed that their traffic lights also have a mini traffic light half way down the pole (in addition to the main ones at the top). So if you are the front car you only have to peer through your side window to see_the_light!

gm

When I first saw that I thought it was for people crossing the street. But once I figured out what it was there for I thought it was a cool thing. I wish we would do traffic lights like that here.

Winslow

[cristo]

I love my light-in-sight fresnel lens. It's cheap and very effective.

[Oldpaint]

All of you should move to Nantucket. No traffic lights in the whole town, county, island. Not even for the school kids! A lot of stop signs though.

Actually My first car, an 850 Fiat Spyder had that neck craning problem when the roof was up. On long trips I'd move the seat so far back that I would look through the steering wheel not over it. Like driving a sled. (although an under-powered one.)

[SteveM3]

Quote: Originally Posted by goonermini

When recently driving in France, I noticed that their traffic lights also have a mini traffic light half way down the pole (in addition to the main ones at the top). So if you are the front car you only have to peer through your side window to see_the_light!

gm

Also true in the Netherlands. I think they are put there for cyclists, anyone in
France or the Netherlands got an opinion? As a MINI has the same luggage
space as a bicycle it's only fair to use them.

[cristo]

I don't mind when I can't see stop lights, as I can see it before I get to the intersection
where it's blocked. The real problem is that I can't see the GO light when it changes!!