Page 1 of Road safety topic - should headlights be used when it`s raining ?

Now that we`re well on the way to winter (God, I hate Autumn, but that could be another thread :) ), what with the darker days and everything, I reckon that it should be compulsory to use headlights when it`s raining ( I know - we have enough rules already) but I believe it`s a sensible one. I know that it won`t make any difference to one`s own ability to see, but other vehicles can see you better and surely that can`t be a bad thing. I know that a lot of bikers, myself included, use headlights all the time voluntarily.

JohnF

GW6UFO is QRT at the moment

to be totally safe lights on all the time was how i was trained in the police

Can`t agree more although it would be difficult to enforce as what is the definition you want to place on rain, spitting, drizzle etc... but it does help visibility, i always put my side lights on at the very least. But then there`s the t**ts who drive with everything on, front fog lights included, i find them infuriating.

Always try to stay out of bikers ways, pulling over that bit further in queues of traffic, it`s just the ones that come tearing up behind you at over a ton and expect you to get out of the way that gets me they spoil it for the rest.

I would agree that when the weather is bad it is good practice and for your own safety as well as others to put your lights on, especially if you have a dark car, like my own.

I dont think we should go to the extent of having compulsary lights on 24/7 like these Scandinavian countries, as it looks downright stupid with headlights blaising in midday in the summer.

As a non-driver but occasional passenger might I suggest lights on, but dip `em to be friendly.

J Mark Oates

I would say side lights are enough ( and should be compulsory ) in all but the most severe conditions as long as people remember to drive according to the conditions .

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Wayne

IQuote:
dont think we should go to the extent of having compulsary lights on 24/7 like these Scandinavian countries, as it looks downright stupid with headlights blaising in midday in the summer.That`s also the law in Ontario and maybe other Provinces in Canada. Must admit I found it a bit disconcerting when I picked up the hire car and as soon as you turn the ignition on, all lights come on. Soon got used to it though.

JohnF

GW6UFO is QRT at the moment

I dont recall ever seeing a car with lights on during the daytime when I was in Ontario last time.

I was in a US hire car at the time & as a Brit at the border checkpoint, it wasnt even mentioned to me.

"Great chunks of my past detaching themselves like melting icebergs"

Highway Code rule 201:

"You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet)."

My interpretation is - If conditions are bad enough to need lights then you should/must use dipped headlights.

For once I have to agree with the Americans - they refer to side lights as parking lights.

Nick
"I always told myself size wasn`t important - `til I wanted a new telly"

I believe that headlights should be used when it`s raining. As to what rain is i.e. drizzle, light rain or whatever if you need your wipers then you should turn your lights on.

The only thing is a lot of drivers seem to consider lights of any description optional. No use of indicators, the use of fog lights when there hasn`t even been a light mist in the last fortnight and of course the a**eholes who always drive with front fogs on.

The question needs to be raised, should people be made to take top up courses in driving? They are after all controlling a deadly weapon.