Time to enforce or encourage drivers to put their lights on

[winjim]

I've found a hidden switch in my car. I think it might turn off the DRLs. Shall I press it?

 

[mjr]

I've found a hidden switch in my car. I think it might turn off the DRLs. Shall I press it?

I would. I switch my DRLs off unless I'd use sidelights otherwise. It's buried two deep in the menus and can only be accessed before starting the engine.

 

[mjr]

Whilst flouro yellow/orange aren't my favourite colours, what is it with clothing manufacturers turning out so many jackets/jersey, in black?

Moreover, what is it with motor manufacturers turning out so many vehicles in black, grey and white?

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

I've found a hidden switch in my car. I think it might turn off the DRLs. Shall I press it?

It's not the re-enable switch for fuel cut-out is it?

My Octavia also has a switch on the B-pillar, that I think, is something to do with the alarm (for if a Dog is left in it)

 

[steveindenmark]

In Denmark all our vehicle lights come on automatically when we start the car. I really notice the difference when I come over to the UK.

if only we could get cycle lights to come on when you sit on the seat. There is no point in moaning about motorists when cyclists dont bother lighting up.

 

[Hip Priest]

My pet hate are people who drive round with their fog lights on because it "looks cool". You're not in 2Fast 2Furious mate. You're driving a MK1 Focus to a McDonald's car park.

 

[Dan B]

There is no point in moaning about motorists when cyclists dont bother lighting up.

Yes, it's ridiculous to hold motorists to the same standards as we require of pedal cyclists

 

[winjim]

It's not the re-enable switch for fuel cut-out is it?

My Octavia also has a switch on the B-pillar, that I think, is something to do with the alarm (for if a Dog is left in it)

It's under a panel with the fuses. Only found it because the panel fell off. Has the headlamp symbol on it so I think it must be for the DRLs. Skoda Fabia, so your Octavia might have something similar. We have the alarm disabler on the door I think.

 

[Tin Pot]

During our club ride today i roughly counted the number of vehicles mostly cars that didn't have side lights turned on. Not just cars but cars coloured the same as the road, Graphite,black and grey cars are hard to see on a grey drizzly day so why don't the drivers put their lights on? If they're too dumb or too lazy or too stupid isn't it time they were pulled over for not being visible to other road users?
And before i get the "if they're hard to see how did you see them to count them?" Yes i saw them but most when they were a few yards away which is dangerous to cyclists.

As an aside, I wish they'd only have their side lights on.

The main lights on residential streets obscure things - I only saw a hi viz cyclist at the last minute on Tuesday night (parked cars causing single file traffic) because of the lights on the car behind him.

 

[Glenn]

DRL's are compulsory on all new cars sold in the UK as of 7/2/2011

 

[Dan B]

As an aside, I wish they'd only have their side lights on.

We tend to leave our lights on "automatic", as, I suspect, do most people with newish cars. I don't think it even considers using sidelights, it's dipped beams or nothing

 

[Milkfloat]

DRL's are compulsory on all new cars sold in the UK as of 7/2/2011

Not quite, but close.

 

[fossyant]

My pet hate is the people driving with daylight running lights. Number you see at night with unlit rears is ridiculous!

And when you kindly pull over and explain to them they have no lights on they think you have lost it. No rear lights, yes your dash is lit up and your bling lights are on, but your car is off at the back.

 

[Accy cyclist]

In Denmark all our vehicle lights come on automatically when we start the car. I really notice the difference when I come over to the UK.

if only we could get cycle lights to come on when you sit on the seat. There is no point in moaning about motorists when cyclists dont bother lighting up.

Hard to see bikes aren't as dangerous as hard to see cars and vans

 

[steveindenmark]

Hard to see bikes aren't as dangerous as hard to see cars and vans

Anything that travels on the road in darkness without lights is dangerous. A hard to see bike is just as dangerous as a hard to see car, especially if you are the rider of the bike or an unsuspecting pedestrian that the unlit bike is bearing down on.. That is unless you think that it is only the responsibility of the car driver or pedestrian to avoid accidents. Personally, I prefer to look after my own safety and am always very visible with lights and reflective gear. If we expect vehicles to be lit up by law, shouldnt we expect bikes to follow suit or are we exempt?