Lights on…action!
Ever since the early 1990’s, Canadian made vehicles came equipped with automatic Daytime Running lights. These low wattage headlights came on as soon as the driver started the engine and released the parking brake. This was a good idea, but they weren’t very bright and would often burn out after just a few years; although the regular low beam headlights would still work. The question I often hear is; why have your low beam headlights on during the daytime?
This photo is a good example of why your low beam headlights need to be on during daytime hours. The sun is so distracting and blinding for oncoming drivers, but by having your low beam headlights on, it can cut through the glare and make your vehicle more visible to other drivers. The same can be said about your tail lights. The drivers behind can see you a little better when the sun is that bright. Automatic Daytime Running lights often do not activate the rear lights. Low beam headlights do though.
Even though the law may tell you to have your headlights on half an hour before sunset and half an hour after sunrise, it’s a good idea to keep them on all day long and not just during those times. The purpose for the half hour before and after is to allow your eyes to adjust to the different lighting conditions. We need our lights on for more reasons than that.
I had a student’s parent complain to me that we were causing them to spend more money by having the driver turn their headlights on during the daytime. Their father said it would cause him to buy headlight bulbs sooner and that costs money. Since you blended into the background without your headlights on during a bright day, a driver may drive into you would cost you more. Having to miss work and lose pay would cost more than buying headlight bulbs.
Here’s your new plan; after starting your engine, turn on your low beam headlights. This can help others notice your vehicle… even in daylight. It’s worth the $4 a year to be seen by other drivers.
According to the Department for Transport based on statistics supplied by police road traffic accident investigators…
Failed to look properly was the cause of 38% of all road traffic accidents.
Failed to look properly was the cause of 58% of injury and fatal pedestrian accidents.
Will those drivers who fail to look see DRL?
Thanks for the comment. If turning on your low beam headlights can reduce even 1 % of injuries or death, then it’s worth it. Low beams can attract the attention of drivers who know how to look, but may miss you. The “failed to look properly” most likely means the drivers failed to use their eyes effectively. If the driver doesn’t know where to look or what to look for, they’re most likely going to crash. Driving is done with your eyes. Your hands and feet are only tools for your eyes. Anything we can do to help drivers see us, can help them avoid hitting us.
In my own book I point out every circumstance that lights would help. This is a big one, I try to tell people, and they think I’m nuts. More people should read these helpful articles.
Thanks John. Always appreciate your support.
Good advice, I always drive with my headlights on regardless of time of day/weather. Luckily my car automatically shuts them off when I leave the car so I don’t ever have to worry about whether they’re on or not. I just keep them on the on switch and forget about it.
This is a bit unrelated, but I wonder what your opinion is on rear turn signals? Specifically turn signals that aren’t amber? I think red turn signals are more difficult to see than ambers, but I’ve also noticed that more and more new cars are going with red rather than amber. Probably the worst, in my opinion, are cars that have the brake light double as the turn signal because if you burn out a brake light that also means you lose your turn signal at the same time.
I agree with you that if rear signals are also red and if the fuse or bulb goes, it can lead to problems. Often the signal stays of if a bulb needs replacing; it doesn’t flash. This may lead to drivers behind not knowing why you’re slowing in traffic. That being said, a flashing light is easier spotted compared to a light that just stays on. Regardless of the colour, it should still do the job. Often, the bulbs have a multi=purpose for the vehicle. A brake light make burn out, but the signal may still work. Keep in mind it’s the colour of the plastic cover that’s red.