topic Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct in Community Chat

Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

Twins Mom — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 02:17:27 GMT

At dusk, in fog, rain, and snow, general times of low visibility drivers fail to turn on headlights. Is it because they don't realize how much better others could see them or because they assume lights are automatic? Running lights only turn on headlights! Being seen by drivers behind you is just as important as being seen from the front. Neutral auto colors make lights even more important. Not everyone had perfect eyesight, let's help them. Just a friendly reminder to think about your lights and spread word. Know your light settings and what differences are. Every car is different.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

GCR18 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 02:36:11 GMT

One of my biggest pet peeves. I love foggy days when you can't see very far and driving along is a car with no lights.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

shoptilyadropagain — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 02:46:57 GMT

I'm amazed at the many cars I meet that don't have their headlights on in the conditions you mentioned. It's one of my pet peeves as well. I usually flash them (not personally.....with my headlights....LOL!).

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

noodleann — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 02:49:30 GMT

They're probably breaking the law. They would be if they're in PA.

Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Law:

4302. Periods for requiring lighted lamps.

(a) GENERAL RULE.-The operator of a vehicle upon a highway shall display the lighted head lamps and other lamps and illuminating devices required under this chapter for different classes of vehicles, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles, at the following times:

(1) Between sunset and sunrise.

(2) Any time when the operator cannot discern a person or vehicle upon the highway from a distance of 1,000 feet due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, including rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, smoke or smog.

(3) Any time when the vehicle's windshield wipers are in continuous or intermittent use due to precipitation or atmospheric moisture, including rain, snow, sleet or mist.

(b) SIGNAL LIGHTS.-Stop lights, turn signals and other signaling devices shall be lighted as prescribed in this title.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

akaburtonfan — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 02:52:48 GMT

I wish all cars were made so that when the engine starts the headlights come on. When the engine shuts off, so do the lights.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

CLHS68 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 03:18:02 GMT

It is the law in PA but until they decide to enforce those laws no one pays any attention.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

Twins Mom — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 04:24:43 GMT

Correct. It's the law but not really enforced. It would be good if electronic signage would be used to remind drivers. Flashing lights doesn't seem to mean much to drivers. What can wake drivers up? A pet peeve that means so much.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

bonnie f — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 04:27:58 GMT

at least 2 or 3 times i've seen cars at around 6 pm ( and yes its dark then) driving with no headlights!! excuse me for saying this......... but cant you see your headlights aren't on??? i really dont want to think people are really that stupid, but come on its pitch dark!!

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

libbyannE — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 04:49:08 GMT

I agree. The headlights in such cases are used so others can see YOU.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

occasionalrain — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 06:44:43 GMT

It's commended that in fog one use low beams. High beams reflect off the fog which reduces vision. My car has fog lights; I use those.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

Kachina624 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 06:55:04 GMT

There are a lot of doo doos out there who think because they can see you with your lights on, you can see them without lights.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

hckynut — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 07:14:35 GMT

@twins mom wrote:
At dusk, in fog, rain, and snow, general times of low visibility drivers fail to turn on headlights. Is it because they don't realize how much better others could see them or because they assume lights are automatic? Running lights only turn on headlights! Being seen by drivers behind you is just as important as being seen from the front. Neutral auto colors make lights even more important. Not everyone had perfect eyesight, let's help them. Just a friendly reminder to think about your lights and spread word. Know your light settings and what differences are. Every car is different.

@Twins Mom

Too many drivers think headlights were put on vehicles so THEY can see when it is dark. They don't get the safety factors of OTHER drivers to be able to see THEM.

How anyone can drive a vehicle at night and not see that the dash lights(speedometer/oil/gas gauge/amp gauge) are not lit? Escapes my comprehension. Are they they that unaware of what is happening right in front of their faces, or are they just that dumb.

Not sure what you mean when you say: "Know your light settings, every car is different". Are you saying these drivers DO NOT know how to turn on the headlights on the vehicles they are driving? If so, these people have no business driving any motor vehicle on any public roadway.

First I start my engine/ next I fasten my seat/shoulder belts, next I turn on my headlights. This is how I do it no matter what time of day or night, rain or sunlight. Every driver would make it safer for all of us on the roadways if they did the same.

hckynut(john)

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

hckynut — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 07:29:06 GMT

@twins mom wrote:
Correct. It's the law but not really enforced. It would be good if electronic signage would be used to remind drivers. Flashing lights doesn't seem to mean much to drivers. What can wake drivers up? A pet peeve that means so much.

@Twins Mom

Our 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix had Daylight Running Lights(DRL). Turn the engine on the headlights came on, but not as bright as the "low beams", but bright enough to see them in any weather.

That same car also had a Headsup Display (HUD) which showed you speed right in your eyesight line of vision, airplanes have had this for decades. I loved both those features, and think the DLR and the HUD, should come standard on all motor vehicles, I see no downside for the consumer.

I thought I would see more of the BIG 3 Auto Manufacturers would offer them after owning our 1995, but seems like that has not happened. I think both features would reduce vehicle wrecks and less roadway fatalities.

hckynut(john)

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

Twins Mom — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 08:05:20 GMT

Hckynut, what I meant about not knowing settings is that "knobs" have symbols and drivers don't know which settings are low lights with NO taillights or regular headlights with TAILLIGHTS. In most situations both are needed. Yes, I too thought auto manufacturers would have gotten more uniform. Interesting that having no lights is not limited to old cars, less expensive cars, etc. Also young and old drivers are guilty. Visibility from all sides important.
I understand from a friend when they drove over to Canada they were told to turn on their "real headlights."

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

Desertdi — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 08:38:12 GMT

The law is pretty vague in AZ. You are required to HAVE them........

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

Blingqueen023 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 10:13:27 GMT

@akaburtonfan wrote:
I wish all cars were made so that when the engine starts the headlights come on. When the engine shuts off, so do the lights.

@akaburtonfan They do have cars like that. I have a 2017 Toyota Camry and even the earlier Camrys I owned had that. I set the car on auto for the lights and they come on and they shut off when not need.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

Blingqueen023 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 10:16:51 GMT

To think I thought this only happened in the DC area.. It's so annoying coming home on the interstate after work when it's dark following a dark colored vehicle with no light. I have to move to another lane to get away from these people. Even when I flash my brights on them to put their lights on they just don't get it. It amazes me.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

Nataliesgramma — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 11:39:26 GMT

I think alot of people's driving habits get worse every year...

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

gardenman — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 12:13:42 GMT

It seems like the worst offenders are people driving silver or grey cars also that just blend into the fog/mist/rain.

I started automatically turning on my headlights every time I got behind the wheel many years ago when I had a light green Mercury Cougar. We live in the country and that green car apparently blended into the green background as people consistently pulled out right in front of me and then looked shocked when I slammed on the brakes and hit the horn to avoid them. Around the fifth or sixth time you see a driver look at you with an expression like, "Where did that car come from?" you start to turn on the lights as a means of self-preservation. With the lights on, the problem got solved. With the lights off, you might as well be driving a nearly invisible car.

By the way, I'll never buy another green car after that. There's an old racing superstition that green race cars are unlucky. I suspect that superstition has a very real basis in fact as I nearly got killed a bunch of times in a normal green car where other drivers have more reaction time. If you're going close to 200 miles per hour and they can't see you, well, you're in a lot more trouble.

Re: Drivers: Do They Understand How Their Headlights Funct

pattiewaddle — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 00:13:54 GMT

Living in the desert I don't have the fog to deal with but the people out here think bright means to use while driving in town. I can't tell you how often you can't see where your lane is or ends due too these inconsiderate drivers....most think you can use your brights for town driving not on highway.Once in awhile in January we will have light fog.