America needs daytime running lights

[AbdRahim]

I have been running with headlights on, at all times, on all vehicles for over 25 years. Just makes sense.

[ratherberv]

Originally Posted by doc

We have inclement weather law here. Don't know about other states

Yes, but have you noticed the number of LAW ENFORCEMENT that run with lights on during the day seem to turn them off when it starts raining?

[rlott2k]

Originally Posted by Eez Moose

I disagree with the premise entirely.

I'm driving something 40ish feet long, 9 or so feet wide, and about 12 feet high and you think I need lights on to be visible during the day time? Like all bureaucratic silliness this one should have been put to rest in Canada long ago. DRL's were initiated on motorcycles to make them stand out during the day. Only a moronic bureaucrat could extrapolate that to include all vehicles. It is unconscionable that we have people gleefully driving at night with their tail lights off because that is how the manufactures originally addressed the problem. People are easily fooled into believing if they can see the way then the guys behind can see their rear-ends.

There’s a whole bunch wrong with that.
The op was suggesting a small car in his blind spot may have been easier to see with DRLs . I tend to agree.
Greatest benefit of DRLs is in low visibility daylight conditions.
I agree with the manufactures missing out on the tail lights, but really that’s a driver error. Most of the cars I see driving at night with just DRLs on are newer , high line cars that probably have auto headlamps. (If only they just turned them on). Even still high beams at a low power are still not as bright as low beams at full power, so again, driver error.
Another bonus is passing on a 2 lane hiway.
DRLs are an advantage in seeing oncoming traffic.

[Mzbrandi]

Originally Posted by Monacoach

Why do Americans not use their headlights in dark snowy or rainy weather? I ask this question after changing lanes and almost putting a car with no headlights on, in the ditch.



My guess is because newer vehicles have the dash lit up during the day hence no thought of putting the headlights on?



So many Americans drive around with no headlights oblivious that they are at risk.



Is it time for America to adopt daytime running lights or perhaps better technology to nudge you guys to put your lights on?

I agree that daytime headlights are a good idea. But, I’m really not interested in the government telling me I have to do it. In most states I have been in, having your lights on in inclement weather is already a law.

[aether_one]

Originally Posted by Mzbrandi

I agree that daytime headlights are a good idea. But, I’m really not interested in the government telling me I have to do it. In most states I have been in, having your lights on in inclement weather is already a law.

But we know people don't always follow the law, even law enforcement officers, so something this simple has the capability to be automatic and should be. Just like you don't have to tun you dash lights on when you turn your headlights on - it's automatic.

[Mzbrandi]

Originally Posted by tfryman

But we know people don't always follow the law, even law enforcement officers, so something this simple has the capability to be automatic and should be. Just like you don't have to tun you dash lights on when you turn your headlights on - it's automatic.

Agree to disagree. No it should not be required.

[rlott2k]

So where’s the harm in having all lights come on a passenger vehicle (not law enforcement) when put into drive?

[FL420]

Originally Posted by rlott2k

So where’s the harm in having all lights come on a passenger vehicle (not law enforcement) when put into drive?

The only harm I can see is if I'm trying to sneak around undetected. I don't do that anymore.

[Isaac-1]

Originally Posted by rlott2k

So where’s the harm in having all lights come on a passenger vehicle (not law enforcement) when put into drive?

Its ok as long as you also have automatic headlights for when it gets dark, otherwise drivers tend to forget to turn on the "headlights" which also turns on the "taillights"

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by DKB218NYC

What America needs are government sponsored Public Service Announcements. The public needs to be educated about simple things.

"If it's dark, rainy or stormy please turn on your headlights and are daytime running lights."

"When merging onto a highway you must yield to oncoming traffic."

"When making a turn or changing lanes please use your directional signals."

Learning all that is a requirement to pass a driving test.
But then, remember the old saying:

" you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink".

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by rlott2k

So where’s the harm in having all lights come on a passenger vehicle (not law enforcement) when put into drive?

The dome lights would blind me.

[Brentw]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

The dome lights would blind me.

[Monacoach]

Again yesterday it was snowing and looking in my semi mirrors there was not alot of visibility and of course again many drivers with no headlights. Canada got it right on this one.......

[laj]

Originally Posted by Kenaleslie

Just what we need someone from somewhere else telling us how it should be done

yup, foreigners think they should be able to dictate to us