Author Topic: Headlights during the day (Read 1889 times)

Spud · « **on:** June 30, 2019, 06:59:47 PM »

Why do so many drivers drive with their headlights on during the day, even when it's bright and sunny? Does this bug anyone else here?

BeRational · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2019, 07:58:59 PM »

They cannot be turned off on some cars.

They are not headlights just driving lights.

What car do you drive?

jeremyp · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2019, 08:19:31 PM »

I have a feeling it is illegal on new cars not to have lights on all the time. Certainly, on my Audi, you either have what we used to call side lights or headlights on.

Gordon · « **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2019, 08:27:46 PM »

Quote from: Spud on June 30, 2019, 06:59:47 PM

Why do so many drivers drive with their headlights on during the day, even when it's bright and sunny? Does this bug anyone else here?

Nope.

jeremyp · « **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2019, 08:47:33 PM »

Quote from: Gordon on June 30, 2019, 08:27:46 PM

Nope.

How do you know?

Gordon · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2019, 08:55:36 PM »

Quote from: jeremyp on June 30, 2019, 08:47:33 PM

How do you know?

I don't, and perhaps should have said that I wasn't bothered personally (especially since us motorcyclists tend to see riding with headlights on as essential for safety).

Mind you, since afaik this subject hasn't ever been mentioned before, I suspect most wouldn't see riding/driving with headlights on as an issue, and has been noted some cars have them on by default.

SteveH · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2019, 09:00:34 PM »

Bloomin' daft, I call it. I'm sure some government department can invent statistics showing that it saves lives, but i don't believe them, so there.

Gordon · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2019, 09:31:49 PM »

It makes sense on motorcycles by increasing visibility - I think many of us have had the experience of cars pulling out in front of us in either direction even with our headlights on.

In some countries, France as I recall, using dipped headlights when it is raining is compulsory.

Walter · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2019, 11:28:36 AM »

I'm currently driving a Skoda Favia (courtesy car) which is brand new and it has daytime driving lights at the front which cant be turned off . They are in an 'L' shape set at a jaunty angle . I like 'em !

Walter · « **Reply #9 on:** July 01, 2019, 11:38:26 AM »

However bearing in mind manmade climate change we should all be turning OFF lights when they are not necessary !!!!!

Walter · « **Reply #10 on:** July 01, 2019, 11:47:26 AM »

Quote from: Steve H on June 30, 2019, 09:00:34 PM

Bloomin' daft, I call it. I'm sure some government department can invent statistics showing that it saves lives, but i don't believe them, so there.

Steve

I have a mental image of you on your pushbike covered from head to foot in red and white strobe lights, blinking away like a mobile Christmas tree . Am I right?

SteveH · « **Reply #11 on:** July 01, 2019, 11:54:25 AM »

Err... no.

Spud · « **Reply #12 on:** July 01, 2019, 11:55:08 AM »

Quote from: BeRational on June 30, 2019, 07:58:59 PM

They cannot be turned off on some cars.

They are not headlights just driving lights.

What car do you drive?

Wow, I had no idea! I thought it was to say, "out of my way" or "get a move on". I understand why motorbikes would use them but it seems we now have to get used to being dazzled by oncoming traffic, and the car behind.

Spud · « **Reply #13 on:** July 01, 2019, 12:06:02 PM »

At least it isn't to do with the driver being a ***, so I am glad about that.

Walter · « **Reply #14 on:** July 01, 2019, 12:13:55 PM »

Quote from: Spud on July 01, 2019, 12:06:02 PM

At least it isn't to do with the driver being a ***, so I am glad about that.

yeah,
so now you can confidently drop your indignation and drive with a smile Spud . Happy days

Walter · « **Reply #15 on:** July 01, 2019, 12:39:45 PM »

Quote from: Steve H on July 01, 2019, 11:54:25 AM

Err... no.

aww, c'mon don't ruin it

Udayana · « **Reply #16 on:** July 02, 2019, 01:05:04 PM »

Daytime running lights have been mandatory on new cars since 2011.

Although they were probably fine on cars in Sweden and Norway where the added visibility is probably necessary, UK drivers still get confused by them.

Also, ISTM, there must still be issues where although they make vehicles more visible, visibility of pedestrians and cyclists is reduced because drivers are only seeing the DRLs of oncoming cars, blanking out pedestrians or bikes in front of them.

SteveH · « **Reply #17 on:** July 02, 2019, 01:47:02 PM »

Quote from: Udayana on July 02, 2019, 01:05:04 PM

Daytime running lights have been mandatory on cars since 2011.

Only on new cars, not on ones made before 2011.

Udayana · « **Reply #18 on:** July 02, 2019, 02:47:54 PM »

Quote from: Steve H on July 02, 2019, 01:47:02 PM

Only on new cars, not on ones made before 2011.

Indeed, have amended my post.

jeremyp · « **Reply #19 on:** July 02, 2019, 07:55:46 PM »

Quote from: Gordon on June 30, 2019, 08:55:36 PM

I don't, and perhaps should have said that I wasn't bothered personally (especially since us motorcyclists tend to see riding with headlights on as essential for safety).

Mind you, since afaik this subject hasn't ever been mentioned before, I suspect most wouldn't see riding/driving with headlights on as an issue, and has been noted some cars have them on by default.

I personally have no problem with it, especially as I can't turn the lights on the front of my car off.

jeremyp · « **Reply #20 on:** July 02, 2019, 07:57:40 PM »

Quote from: Udayana on July 02, 2019, 01:05:04 PM

Daytime running lights have been mandatory on new cars since 2011.

Although they were probably fine on cars in Sweden and Norway where the added visibility is probably necessary, UK drivers still get confused by them.

This one doesn't, especially since Volvos have had day time running lights since before I learned to drive.

Spud · « **Reply #21 on:** July 12, 2019, 05:35:55 PM »

I feel that driving lights are unnecessary except during twilight hours and an excuse (in some cases) to make the car itself look like something out of star wars (with the emphasis on wars). People who can't see a car coming without its headlights on during the day should not be on or near a road. I hope sensors for automatically switching them on when visibility drops are in the pipeline.
Having said that, it could it be something to do with pedestrian safety with engines becoming quieter?

Harrowby Hall · « **Reply #22 on:** July 13, 2019, 08:26:40 AM »

You are entitled to your view, Spud, but frankly, ANYTHING which makes using public roads less hazardous has my approval.

Quote

This one doesn't, especially since Volvos have had day time running lights since before I learned to drive.

I recall being told - many years ago - that the running lights on Volvos were for some technical reason. It was something like maintaining a resistive load on the generator increased its efficiency. I also recall the great effort many pedestrians went to to inform me if I were driving with my headlamps blazing. Perhaps Spud has inherited the gene which leads to this behaviour.

jeremyp · « **Reply #23 on:** July 19, 2019, 08:59:54 AM »

Quote from: Harrowby Hall on July 13, 2019, 08:26:40 AM

You are entitled to your view, Spud, but frankly, ANYTHING which makes using public roads less hazardous has my approval.

I recall being told - many years ago - that the running lights on Volvos were for some technical reason. It was something like maintaining a resistive load on the generator increased its efficiency.

It's because it was always illegal to turn them off during the day in Sweden.

Spud · « **Reply #24 on:** July 19, 2019, 02:56:56 PM »

Whilst cycling the other day, I did notice the difference, in that you can see a car coming sooner if it has lights on.

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Author Topic: Headlights during the day (Read 1889 times)