Should we always drive with headlights on?

GPS_fan

About this time last year, somebody was playing with the idea of making Brits drive with their headlights on, day and night, whatever the weather - just like other countries such as Scandinavia.

At first, I was totally against this idea thinking that it was just another do-gooder trying to make a name for himself. However, after giving it some thought and adding a few more miles to the clock, I actually think that this might not be a bad idea after all.

There are occasions when driving along even the straightest of roads you can't necessarily see oncoming traffic because of sun/shade conditions, driving under trees and so on. Then, there's the twilight zone at dawn and dusk, when some drivers don't put their lights on until it's completely dark.

...not to mention those drivers who fail to turn their lights on in even the worst weather conditions.

Could driving with headlights always on make roads safer?

What do you guys think?

Please vote.
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Tim Buxton · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:19 pm Post subject:

No, they shouldn't be made compulsory. Furthermore, the compulsory use of them on motorcycles should be abolished. Modern motorbikes don't even have an On/Off switch. More policing to ensure the correct use of lighting (including prosecution for the incorrect use of foglights) should be enacted. Yet another example of dumbing down, in my opinion.
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GJF · Frequent Visitor Joined: Feb 08, 2007 Posts: 894

Difference of opinion here, I think that it should be compulsory, for the same reasons as GPS_fan explained.

My only worry is the prats who insist that full headlights are the norm', even in daylight they can be blinding.
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GPS_fan · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:39 pm Post subject:

I don't think it's dumbing anything down.

If you're driving down a road and you're in sunlight, but another part of the road is in shade, you simply may not see what is coming the other way. Even if you know the road and are aware of the safest place to overtake, some drivers are still tempted to take a gamble and pull out.

When the sun is either in your eyes or in your mirrors, can you see what other traffic is around you?

There are instances where the headlight on a motorbike means the difference between seeing or nor seeing them - but there may be other times when it makes no difference.

If I'd said "Should cyclists be forced to use lights at night?", then I'm sure the response would have been quite different
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nivek22 · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:43 pm Post subject:

I'm against having lights on all the time.

When you're driving behind a vehicle with its lights on in good visibility, you don't notice the brake lights as quickly.

And don't get me on about fog lights! Their inappropriate use must cause a lot more accidents than they save.

GPS_fan · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:49 pm Post subject:

I hate the inappropriate use of fog lights to - but the question was about the use of HEADLIGHTS...short of having fog sensors, there's not a lot you can do for those people.
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Tim Buxton · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:54 pm Post subject:

GPS_fan · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:00 pm Post subject:

alix776 · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:02 pm Post subject:

no it should not be made compulsory for as currently a veihcle with lichts on during the day is taken more notice of by other drivers. this is something i do in built up areas to make the truck more visible you wouldnt beleive than amount of people that dont see it. also with in a few months you would be back to square one as everyone would not see a car or truck as they did when the lights first came within a few weeks

it would just be a pointless excersie

on a side note why do people feel the need to use there main beam on motorway at night Rolling Eyes

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GPS_fan · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:07 pm Post subject:

Tim Buxton · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:13 pm Post subject:

Tim Buxton · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:15 pm Post subject:

Skippy · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:19 pm Post subject:

I am against day time headlights for cars although my reason is rather odd. I ride a motorcycle and I always ride with lights on. If every other vehicle on the road has lights on then people are less likely to spot a motorcyclist who is likely to be moving faster than the normal traffic flow and going through gaps where you wouldn't expect a car to fit.

I think new cars should be required to have automatic headlights. The number of times I see people who forget to switch their lights on in borderline conditions is a real worry. You have to wonder how many crashes would be prevented. However, automatic headlights would cost money for manufacturers to do so they would be likely to support compulsary lights on because they can do away with wiring and switchgear, thus saving money.

I agree with GJF that idiots (including bikes) who drive with lights on full beam should be prosecuted. It's a real pain.

Tim, I don't think daytime lights on bike are compulsary are they? It's just that the makers decided that since most people ride with them on anyway that they could lower costs and improve safety and reliability by doing away with the switchgear....
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Tim Buxton · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:52 pm Post subject:

Border_Collie · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 3:00 pm Post subject:

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