Drivers who won't use lights in poor conditions, my findings
Discussion
Circumstance found me driving through Aylesbury in rush hour traffic yesterday morning, misty, fairly dark, at least 19 in every 20 cars had sidelights on at least, many on dipped headlights. And yet, inevitably it seems, a few did not. For my amusement I decided to do a quick survey of the drivers of these cars. There were a couple of old duffers, and many ethnic private hire drivers, but the majority of the offenders were young women.
What I would like to know is, did these people decide for their own reasons not to switch on their lights, IOW was it a conscious choice on their part, or were they unaware that other people had their lights on? Or did they perhaps think that as long as everybody else had their lights on then they didn't need to? Some other reason?
What I would like to know is, did these people decide for their own reasons not to switch on their lights, IOW was it a conscious choice on their part, or were they unaware that other people had their lights on? Or did they perhaps think that as long as everybody else had their lights on then they didn't need to? Some other reason?
They just don't even think about it. End of.
Actually, had a motorbike behind me the other night - no lights on whatsover. It looked like an accident waiting to happen, as you quite possibly wouldn't see him if you were waiting to pull out of a side road. I flashed my rear fogs at him a few times, but it didn't make any difference.
We parted ways when he pulled on to the slip road to the M6
and I carried straight on.
Actually, had a motorbike behind me the other night - no lights on whatsover. It looked like an accident waiting to happen, as you quite possibly wouldn't see him if you were waiting to pull out of a side road. I flashed my rear fogs at him a few times, but it didn't make any difference.
We parted ways when he pulled on to the slip road to the M6
and I carried straight on.
Usually Driving Road/Tarmac Coloured cars too....
Another observation is the response to the flash, 75% react by putting their lights on, 15% ignore you and 10% Flash back, then continue to drive without them!
so, to answer the OP's Question, 75% didn't think about it, 15% don't think about it and don't react to others reminders!
10% actively decide not to...
Another observation is the response to the flash, 75% react by putting their lights on, 15% ignore you and 10% Flash back, then continue to drive without them!
so, to answer the OP's Question, 75% didn't think about it, 15% don't think about it and don't react to others reminders!
10% actively decide not to...
The sooner all cars come with auto lights and wipers, the better.
My Mk5 Astra's dip headlights came on when the auto wipers felt the need to run faster than their intermittant setting. It's not a difficult thing to implement - 50p worth of components to make lights come on automatically.
Few weeks ago, was driving home during a realyl bad thunder storm - clouds pure black and barely higher then the road, spray, near enough pitch dark. Wipers woldn't take the rain. I nearly rammed an old duffer in a Scenic, no lights at all. Passed him on a crawler lane, flashed my fogs at him, and I couldn't believe that he started flashing his beams and waving his fist! Still no lights.
My Mk5 Astra's dip headlights came on when the auto wipers felt the need to run faster than their intermittant setting. It's not a difficult thing to implement - 50p worth of components to make lights come on automatically.
Few weeks ago, was driving home during a realyl bad thunder storm - clouds pure black and barely higher then the road, spray, near enough pitch dark. Wipers woldn't take the rain. I nearly rammed an old duffer in a Scenic, no lights at all. Passed him on a crawler lane, flashed my fogs at him, and I couldn't believe that he started flashing his beams and waving his fist! Still no lights.
Edited by HellDiver on Wednesday 29th September 09:03
Well, I guess the American solution is to automate these things - auto lights, auto dip, auto dimming mirrors (inside and out), auto wipers (inside and out IYSWIM), auto blind-spot warning, auto park - FFS.
Unfortunately, I think this simply reinforces the lack of attention to driving so many people have. I actually think the non-self-cancelling indicators on a Caterham are a good thing.
Anyway, my solution would be to use all the automation technology not to do the jobs for you but to give the car the full Chief Flying Instructor attitude and vocabulary (and perhaps Brian Blessed's voice) - "turn your f***ing lights on you t0$$€r" at 130dB might just get the message across especially if backed up by the occasional grounding.
I think I'd call it OBD3 - On-board Draconianism.
Unfortunately, I think this simply reinforces the lack of attention to driving so many people have. I actually think the non-self-cancelling indicators on a Caterham are a good thing.
Anyway, my solution would be to use all the automation technology not to do the jobs for you but to give the car the full Chief Flying Instructor attitude and vocabulary (and perhaps Brian Blessed's voice) - "turn your f***ing lights on you t0$$€r" at 130dB might just get the message across especially if backed up by the occasional grounding.
I think I'd call it OBD3 - On-board Draconianism.
PHmember said:
What I find weird is that they must notice the occasional car coming the other way without lights on, don't they ever think 'Crikey, I couldn't see that car anywhere near as well as the cars with lights on - think I'll pop my lights on as well'.
This is the truth. Regardless of road conditions and visibility, if most of the vehicles have their lights on, the one without lights on is the one least likely to be seen. Especially when it's a rainy day and the car is painted one of the 14 billion popular shades of grey.singlecoil said:
Circumstance found me driving through Aylesbury in rush hour traffic yesterday morning, misty, fairly dark, at least 19 in every 20 cars had sidelights on at least, many on dipped headlights. And yet, inevitably it seems, a few did not. For my amusement I decided to do a quick survey of the drivers of these cars. There were a couple of old duffers, and many ethnic private hire drivers, but the majority of the offenders were young women.
What I would like to know is, did these people decide for their own reasons not to switch on their lights, IOW was it a conscious choice on their part, or were they unaware that other people had their lights on? Or did they perhaps think that as long as everybody else had their lights on then they didn't need to? Some other reason?
I left the flat this morning in smirring rain. This was enough on the motorway to need wipers on constant when behind other traffic and fast intermittent the rest of the time.What I would like to know is, did these people decide for their own reasons not to switch on their lights, IOW was it a conscious choice on their part, or were they unaware that other people had their lights on? Or did they perhaps think that as long as everybody else had their lights on then they didn't need to? Some other reason?
Sidelights were a must, if not full headlights.
Half way to work the convoy of about 4 cars I was in all had to haul up as a no lights car decided it was pulling out to overtake a crane despite there being no space to get out in front or us, them doing the same speed as the crane and us all going ~30mph faster. After fully 2 miles of weaving about in the outside lane it completed it's pass and finally got back in to the inside and allowed us to progress.
New model VW Beetle, female driver in her 20s, £5 TopShop WAG-tastic sunglasses covering half her face.
You shouldnt be allowed a licence without proving you can drive at night and on a motorway safely.
I was in the car with my friend (a member on here) a while back. It was dark outside, and we've just got out of the car park, and we see someone driving the opposite way without their headlights on, so he flashes them, and we comment on how stupid he/she must be. A few seconds later he realises 'Oh cr@p. I haven't got my headlights on'
Edited by BriC175 on Wednesday 29th September 09:33
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