Driving with lights on...

Sids Not

Not us ..but them (car drivers), who agree's or not with cars driving with their lights on.Similar discussion on the Motors board...most seem to do it...

Mena

Are you saying we should or shouldn't ?

I have mine on most of the time, not to look cool, but to ensure I am perfectly visible at all times.

Does it pose a problem for bikers?

KamiKazi

I'm all for it TBH, the fewer cars that crash into each other the better, because there'll be fewer obstructions on the road.

hobochris

I have my lights on on both bike and cage to help those who are completely blind see me.

Sids Not

I'm still on the fence on this one..on one hand ,a car with its lights on will attract a better glance than one without (i.e it could be a cop car), putting a bike with its lights on in a better situation.......on the other, if all cars drove with their lights on this would bring it all back to zero again and drivers would just take a quick glance at junctions ,spotting only the car (possibly 50 mtrs) behind the bike ....
To me, when i'm in the car i wouldnt feel driving with my lights on would make me feel safer so i dont use them .....but i never ride without my lights on.....

MrJoeSoap

This morning there were tonnes of cars out, in the thickest fog, with no headlights on. Mental. These people shouldn't be let drive.

I always drive with mine on, regardless of the weather. They're not strong enough to blind another driver so I see no harm in it.

Aren't Volvos programmed to always have their lights on as a safety feature? Or was it Saab?

KamiKazi

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

Aren't Volvos programmed to always have their lights on as a safety feature? Or was it Saab?

Both AFAIK, at least on some models.

Run_to_da_hills

I keep my lights on the whole time, in the old days of riding Brit bikes it made no difference because the lights were crap and it would also put a strain on the charging system. It should be manditory now on motorcycles.

KamiKazi

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

I keep my lights on the whole time, in the old days of riding Brit bikes it made no difference because the lights were crap and it would also put a strain on the charging system. It should be manditory now on motorcycles.

I'm think it is in some places, for example my bike doesn't allow you to turn the lights off, only a switch for dipped / full beam.

The lights on my bike can't be turned off. Theres no switch!

Paparazzo

Deleted User wrote: »

The lights on my bike can't be turned off. Theres no switch!

Same with mine.
Most bikers leave their lights on, i have my foglights on to. They're slightly pointed down.

bladespin

Lights on the bikes the whole time In the car I only use them when visibility isn't great, if you can't see something the size of a saloon car, no light's going to help. Hate when cars drive around with their fogs on without fog, been blinded a couple of times.

lord lucan

KamiKazi wrote: »

I'm think it is in some places, for example my bike doesn't allow you to turn the lights off, only a switch for dipped / full beam.

Same here. On previous bikes where you could turn the lights on/off i always had them on anyways.

I think all cages should have their lights on too,i've lost track of the number of times a cage has seemingly appeared from nowhere behind me and caught me unawares.

Dirk Gently

I always have mine on. Prefer cars to have them on too. easy to spot them in the mirrors especially on an overcast / dull day. Now if only they'd use their indicators when changing lanes. (Taxi drivers I'm looking at you).

Fabritzo

The car test has a question in about when to not use you lights, I think 'during the day' is a valid answer.


The below is taken from the rules of the road.

When to use headlights
If conditions require you to use headlights to drive safely, you must use them.
Use dipped headlights at night or main beam headlights as appropriate. When
in doubt, turn them on. Make sure that the red lights and number plate lighting
at the back of your vehicle are working.
Use dipped headlights:
• just after the beginning (dusk) and before the end (dawn) of lightingup
hours,
• as long as they are needed to let you see clearly,
• when stopped in traffic,
• when meeting other traffic,
• in built-up areas where there is good street lighting,
• on continuously lit roads outside built-up areas,
• when following behind another vehicle,
• where there is dense fog, falling snow or heavy rain,
• when daylight is fading, and
• generally to avoid inconveniencing other traffic.

Údarás Um Shábháilteacht Ar Bhóithre
Road Safety Authority
It is good practice to use dipped headlights or dim/dip lights, where fitted,
instead of only sidelights in built-up areas where there is good street lighting.