[reneherse]

Here's another example you might spot if you're a commuter: Some weird timing in the brake lights of some Ford Fusion models. (c. 2010 I'm guessing? The one's with the cheesy shallow-stamped trunk/license plate area.)

The three areas of brake lights come on at different times, creating a subtle horizontal flow.

I assume it's due to poor wiring harness design, but IANAEE.

[X-Istence]

I am not sure what car you are talking about, but if it has three physical different lights it may be because of differences in the relays that turn them on and off that cause slight timing differences, unless it is on every Ford Fusion...

I too have the same issue that I am able to see slight difference in timing for certain lights. I've learned to ignore it rather than let it get to me, but I've got a friend who is extremely sensitive to them and has a hard time behind the wheel of a car because the timing on LED brake lights in some model cars causes her physical pain and that causes her to lose her concentration on the road. Her husband drives her most of the time due to this issue.

[reneherse]

Wow, that's a truly unfortunate problem your friend is faced with, especially since we're likely still in the dawn of the general proliferation of LEDs.

I too notice the odd strobing effect of LEDs when they're in motion or I am: Christmas tree lights, Macbook Pro sleep indicator, some brake and headlights. I imagine having that be a cause of pain must be fairly similar to hyper-sensitivity to scented products/VOCs; one has to go out of of one's way to avoid commonly occuring things in the typical environment.

I've noticed the "Ford Fusion effect" whenever I've looked for it.[1] Got to do something to pass time in traffic!

[1] This link is for the sport version, but it has the same (hideous) sheetmetal as the base model. http://i.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/in-the-autoblog-garage-2010...