Instead of binary brake lights on a car, the present disclosure provides methods and apparatus to provide an indicator of brake magnitude of the car. A pressure sensor, accelerometer, or other means of approximating the magnitude of a braking force are coupled to a control module, which itself is coupled to auxiliary lights mounted on the car. These auxiliary lights are capable of displaying a pulse, color, or a pattern correlated to the magnitude of the braking force. This gives drivers behind the car an indication of how quickly to respond to a braking car.

The disclosure provides conspicuity devices and methods. A first embodiment includes a glove with at least one elongate lighting device adapted and configured to admit light having an advantageous spectral energy distribution. Additional articles of clothing are provided herein for enhanced conspicuity, such as for emergency workers and athletes.

An illuminable vehicle component and a method for illuminating a vehicle component includes a vehicle component including an A-surface, a photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source covering the A-surface, a pigmented layer coving the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source, and an optional optically clear top coat covering the pigmented layer. When the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source is not activated and is not emitting light, the pigmented layer has an opaque appearance. When the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source is activated to emit light, light emitted from the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source is transmitted through the pigmented layer and the optional optically clear top coat such that the illuminable vehicle component has an illuminated appearance and the component is illuminated.

A vehicle lighting assembly is provided herein. The vehicle lighting assembly includes a substrate configured to direct excitation light therethrough. A reflector is disposed along a portion of the substrate. The reflector has an offset orientation. A luminescent structure is disposed on an opposing side of the reflector from the substrate.

An illumination device for a vehicle includes: a light source configured to emit a first light forward; and a transmission type surface emitting device that is disposed in front of the light source, that is configured to transmit the first light and that is configured to emit a second light forward.

The present disclosure relates generally to safety lighting devices for automotive vehicles. A safety lighting system coupled to an automotive vehicle includes a power source that is independent of an electrical system of the vehicle. The system also includes a lighting feature electrically coupled to the power source, wherein the lighting feature is configured to activate in response to an impact event.

A light assembly is provided herein. The light assembly includes a pair of light assemblies disposed on opposing sides of a rear portion of a vehicle. Each light assembly includes a housing and a lens. A light source is disposed in the housing and is configured to create a first predefined illumination pattern. A controller is configured to selectively activate the first illumination pattern from one of the pair of housings corresponding to a direction of a vehicle steering wheel rotation.

A self-contained illuminated sign for mounting on a vehicle is disclosed. The sign includes a front panel, a rear panel situated opposite and substantially parallel to the front panel in spaced relation therefrom to define a space therebetween, and a light source comprising a plurality of LEDs. The light source is positioned between the front and rear panels and is configured to emit light that emanates from the front panel. The front panel is thus backlit to display indicia. A system for supporting a self-contained illuminated sign on a vehicle is also disclosed. The system includes the sign and a separate mounting frame mountable on a vehicle. The mounting frame is configured to removably receive the sign and, when the sign is received in the mounting frame, to surround a perimeter of the sign while permitting visibility of the front display area. Related methods are also disclosed.

A vehicle grille assembly is provided herein. The grille assembly includes a panel sealingly coupled to a substrate and defining a cavity therebetween. A light source is disposed within the cavity. A diffuser is disposed between the light source and a portion of the panel.

A lighting system for an autonomous vehicle includes one or more optical fiber panels or optical signaling system positioned about a perimeter of the autonomous vehicle; and processing circuitry configured to activate the one or more optical fiber panels or the optical signaling system in a predetermined illumination in response to a status of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the status includes one or more of a time of day, a number of passengers occupied within the autonomous vehicle, and an alert status during operation of the autonomous vehicle.