Driving in the rain

[OldRedFord]

Why is it when its pouring rain that people dont put their headlights on? Im not talking about a spring shower, I am talking about a downpour with your wipers going wide open and they dont do much so you have to slow down a bit kind of rain.

It was raining really hard when I was coming home and I saw no less then 8 cars with no headlights on.

No I am not some nazzi, its just one of those cars started to hydroplane and came into my lane.

[guerra]

Its the same in my area. it dont rain or snow enough around here for people to know how to drive in it. we get a little shower and people start crashing around here. you always gotta be on the lookout and hope you can get out the way in time.

[robroy]

Good afternoon Tim!

I agree that headlights are very good in the wet weather. Must folks in your area not turn headlights on in the rain by law?

It's my impression that in California, it's the law that whenever your windshield wipers are running, your headlights must be on--most folks on the road seem to abide by this law, too.

Robroy

[Doug Comer]

It is the law as far as I know, at least in CA.
Doug

[michael69]

Its a law in SC now but over half the cars don't have them on including some cops! Some people around here don't tun on lights when it is so foggy you can't see 20ft in front of you,thats what pisses me off!!

[1971ford]

I was driving behind one of my buddie's in the biggest storming of the year here in california... could barely see out the windshield. He not only had one working brake light, but also didn't have his lights on. Annoys me...a lot. Mostly because he won't spend 5 cents on a new brake light bulb.

[MaxKlinger]

Why is it when its pouring rain that people dont put their headlights on? Im not talking about a spring shower, I am talking about a downpour with your wipers going wide open and they dont do much so you have to slow down a bit kind of rain.

I'd take it a step further. Even in a light rain, a mist, or fog, I think everyone should be driving with their lights on. Lights aren't just to help you see...they're to help you BE SEEN! There are way too many people where I live who drive (silver cars!) through the thick morning fog and don't use their lights. In my opinion, they lack common sense.

I drive with my lights on all the time, day or night, rain or shine. I want people to see where I am, not pull out in front of me.

Also, "wipers on lights on" is a law in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The world would be a better place if these laws were actually enforced.

[BobbyFord]

This is why a lot of cars built today have DRL (daytime running lamps).

[MaxKlinger]

This is why a lot of cars built today have DRL (daytime running lamps).

The problem is that DRLs only turn on the front headlamps and NOT the tail lights. Therefore, while driving in fog or in the rainy mist that gets kicked up on the highway, those cars are still difficult to see. Furthermore, I see people on a regular basis driving without their lights on in the middle of the night. They don't even notice because their DRLs light the way ahead; meanwhile, they have no lights on to draw attention to the rear. This is only exacerbated by vehicles whose instruments are backlit during both day and night - there is no reminder that "Hey, I can't see my speedometer" when it's dusk or dark.

I'm not a big fan of "crutch" features that take thinking away from drivers. People need to use their brains and be proactive.

[390Nut]

Why is it when its pouring rain that people dont put their headlights on?

Because they are too busy being concerned for themselves instead of anyone else, a.k.a. the "ME FIRST" syndrome.

Welcome to today's socially acceptable mentality. As long as you're expecting this, you'll never be surprised.

I'm not a big fan of "crutch" features that take thinking away from drivers. People need to use their brains and be proactive.

[1967AceStroker]

I think it would be a good law that people should have their headlights on in moderate to severe weather conditions. Also an interesting product I came by, which is a nice luxury to have whilst driving in the rain is Rain X. The water beads just fly off your windshield and visibility is way better. I don't even use my wipers that much anymore. And no, I don't work for rain x.

Examples:
Rain-X demonstration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1S_Jm_FwM0
Rain-X FTW
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNqjhJIL ... re=related
rain-x vs windshield snow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS1UvAFA81M&NR=1

This is what I use btw.

[george worley]

The roads here get real slick when we get a rain after a long dry spell. They call it '"black ice" here. I live close to a busy four-lane road and near a fire station,as soon as the rain starts its only a few minutes and I hear the sirens from the firetrucks. My bitch is people who don't use their turn signals or drive with them blinking for miles.

[rjewkes]

Mo it is a law wipers on lights on too. don't see enforced inless they have other more severe reasons to pull you over. And lots of drivers here beleive it to apply only to Big Riggs.

[michael69]

That's why all motorcycles come new with headlighs and no off switch just high and low beam.