Daytime running lights... like or dislike???

Junkman · Dec 17, 2003

I hate the new daytime running lights that some of the manufacturers are putting on the car. I find the glare difficult to deal with and very distracting. What is your feeling. I am referring to the headlight on in the daytime, not just when it is raining, as required by some jurisdictions. I know that it is the law in Canada, but not in the US.... that is unless someone in our government decides that it should be.... /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

OkeeDon · Dec 17, 2003

I travel a lot of two lane roads. I wouldn't dream of driving them without my headlights on. On some of our local roads, the state has posted signs, "Headlights On for Safety". When I'm getting ready to pass, I sometimes find it alarming that someone approaching from the other direction does not have their lights on, and are thus harder to see. I wish all cars had automatic headlights so I could be protected from those who don't turn them on.

Disclaimer: I drive at a fairly agressive clip and perhaps do more passing than most, but I'm not an agressive passer. If I see those headlights anywhere in the distance I won't pull out.

JDgreen227 · Dec 17, 2003

Prior to retirement I drove heavy trucks for a living and found those lights to be distracting at times....you know how people sometimes signal you with their lights after you pass them?
After those daytime lights became common I stopped looking in my mirrors for that indication it was safe to change lanes. And those lights can be distracting in other ways.

But to be truthful, there were many instances that I narrowly missed an accident because some dimbulb (pun intended) did not bother to turn on their lights when visibility became poor.
Drivers need to realize their vehicles are fitted with lights not only to help them see, but to help other drivers see them.

I do think the DRL's may prevent some accidents, but that still doesn't make me like them. In time, perhaps....?

Gatorboy · Dec 17, 2003

I am glad many cars now have them. You can see other cars much better coming at you when the sun is in your face or you can see them much better in your rear-view mirror when the sun is directly behind you.

It is the law in many states (including Maryland) to have your headlights on when it is raining. I still cannot believe how many idiots out there do not turn on their headlights in the rain or fog. What the automakers should do on cars that don't have daytime running lights is have the lights come on when the windshield wipers are turned on.

Well, I guess there are MANY things I can't believe some drivers do or not do on the roads.

fivestring · Dec 17, 2003

I like the idea of the daytime headlights. 2 of my 3 vehicles have them.
It is a good safety feature, just like the third brake light.

1bush2hog · Dec 17, 2003

I have mixed feelings on them. I have a Chevy truck with them, so I can turn them off if I want.

The main reason I dislike them is because they compete with motorcycles, which are required to have headlight on all the time. Motorcyclists need every advantage they can get out there on the highways.

I also agree that is easier to see oncoming cars, however, I also think it makes it more difficult for some people to judge distance and speed of oncoming cars that have running lights on.

Nothing scientific to back that last comment up, just a personal thought.

MossRoad · Dec 17, 2003

<font color="blue">Daytime running lights... like or dislike??? </font>

Like. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Mark_in_NH · Dec 17, 2003

I Always run my head lights and driving lights during the day. There are just to many poor drivers out there who aren't paying attention and I want every visibility advantage that I can get. Unfortunatly I occasionaly forget to shut them off. I personally wish that my truck had an auto on / auto off feature.
You can have the best of both worlds if you buy a GM truck with the DRL's. It never seems to fail with them having 1 of the lighs burnt out.
What is it about them. Any ideas ??

fivestring · Dec 17, 2003

<font color="red">"There are just to many poor drivers out there who aren't paying attention " </font>

We refer to them as D.W.H.A.

driving with head up a.......... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bird · Dec 17, 2003

I've wondered why all cars don't have the daytime running lights. Don't all the motorcycles have them and haven't they had them for many years now? I like'em.