Dipped Headlights during the day

HarryHump · 13-11-2014 04:58PM #1

There is an ad on the radio at the moment promoting the use of dipped headlights during daylight hours to increase awareness of other vehicles. I have always done this anyway after living in Sweden for a number of years where it has been the law for years. Why don't they just make it law here too. If it can save a few lives every year surely its worth it, especially if there are no perceived downsides bar having change your bulbs a bit more often.

Lisha · 13-11-2014 04:59PM

I always drive using dipped headlights . Alwsys amazes me how many people comment on it and ask 'why?'

The Backwards Man · 13-11-2014 05:00PM

Headlights are a major drain on fuel consumption, like indicators and clean windscreens. Silly idea.

Super-Rush · 13-11-2014 05:01PM

HarryHump wrote: »

There is an ad on the radio at the moment promoting the use of dipped headlights during daylight hours to increase awareness of other vehicles. I have always done this anyway after living in Sweden for a number of years where it has been the law for years. Why don't they just make it law here too. If it can save a few lives every year surely its worth it, especially if there are no perceived downsides bar having change your bulbs a bit more often.

How would you enforce it?

Sheep Lover · 13-11-2014 05:01PM

Yeah make it "law", that'll work.

Look at all the people using indicators, roundabouts properly and learner drivers driving with a qualified driver. Works wonders.

biko · 13-11-2014 05:01PM

It'll wear out the bulbs. I can't go buying new bulbs every two/three years.

filbert the fox · 13-11-2014 05:02PM

The Backwards Man wrote: »

Headlights are a major drain on fuel consumption, like indicators and clean windscreens. Silly idea.

yeh and leaving the engine running going down hill, ridiculous!:eek:

Buona Fortuna · 13-11-2014 05:03PM

And look at all the numptys who drive around with their front fogs on.

SEPT 23 1989 · 13-11-2014 05:04PM

its good for the battery

biko · 13-11-2014 05:04PM

So, what should I dip my headlights in so they last longer?

Mint Sauce · 13-11-2014 05:06PM

HarryHump wrote: »

There is an ad on the radio at the moment promoting the use of dipped headlights during daylight hours to increase awareness of other vehicles. I have always done this anyway after living in Sweden for a number of years where it has been the law for years. Why don't they just make it law here too. If it can save a few lives every year surely its worth it, especially if there are no perceived downsides bar having change your bulbs a bit more often.

I'd say making it law here is the way its heading, especially with the introduction of DRLs.

Absolutely shocking that today and others like it, with heavily reduced visability people are thinking I can see where I'm going, no need for lights.

Sheep Lover · 13-11-2014 05:06PM

Or all the "one eyed monsters" driving around, it's great trying to guess whether the one headlight coming towards you is a scooter or an articulated lorry with a broken headlight.

The One Doctor · 13-11-2014 05:08PM

biko wrote: »

So, what should I dip my headlights in so they last longer?

Pancake batter.

brevity · 13-11-2014 05:09PM

Yes for dipped lights, no to fog lights!

BoJack Horseman · 13-11-2014 05:12PM

As time passes cars with daylight running lights will become more common.

SEPT 23 1989 · 13-11-2014 05:13PM

lamps or lights?

pawrick · 13-11-2014 05:13PM

Sheep Lover wrote: »

Or all the "one eyed monsters" driving around, it's great trying to guess whether the one headlight coming towards you is a scooter or an articulated lorry with a broken headlight.

recently had the fright of approaching a 4x4 with one light trying to overtake (taking way too long hesitating) a car also with one light at night in the rain on an unlit main road. Didn't know what was happening until I was on top of them as it looked like one vehicle from the distance. I call them cyclops

HarryHump · 13-11-2014 05:14PM

I don't believe they are a major drain on fuel consumption, I'd say its so small as not to be noticed.

It would be easy to enforce. Gardaí see car with no lights on then stop them and fine them. Once it becomes the culture you will switch them on when you start the car without even thinking about it.

lazybones32 · 13-11-2014 05:17PM

It's up to each driver to be paying full attention to the road so you can see other traffic (cars, bikes, cyclists, pedestrians, animals), so it goes both ways. Is it shocking to expect a car to be driving against you on the opposite side of the road? If it is, you need to stop using roads.

ikeano29 · 13-11-2014 05:18PM

It will be made law or built into all new cars.
They should be turned on in the rain and before it gets dusk

whisky_galore · 13-11-2014 05:18PM

HarryHump wrote: »

I don't believe they are a major drain on fuel consumption, I'd say its so small as not to be noticed.

It would be easy to enforce. Gardaí see car with no lights on then stop them and fine them. Once it becomes the culture you will switch them on when you start the car without even thinking about it.

They aren't, they work from the battery and the battery charge gets topped up all the time the car engine is running anyway.

I'd be more concerned about twats with fog lights on when there's no fog and those that think the indicator stick is some sort of ornament.

Arsemageddon · 13-11-2014 05:20PM

Paying a wee bit extra for the fuel used to keep your lights on during the day is money well spent if it stops you getting a truck in the face.

deadybai · 13-11-2014 05:20PM

If people dont use them at evening time when its after getting dark, they arent going to bother during the day when its bright

paulbok · 13-11-2014 05:23PM

Super-Rush wrote: »

How would you enforce it?

No enforcement needed, make it compulsory for the manufacturers to make their lights come on dipped when the engine is running.

El Guapo! · 13-11-2014 05:33PM

whisky_galore wrote: »

They aren't, they work from the battery and the battery charge gets topped up all the time the car engine is running anyway.

Technically not true. They are, of course, powered by the battery but having them switched on does affect fuel consumption.

topper75 · 13-11-2014 05:42PM

All cars should have sirens and beep when they reverse!

No?

Same logic like.

The Backwards Man · 13-11-2014 05:44PM

El Guapo! wrote: »

Technically not true. They are, of course, powered by the battery but having them switched on does affect fuel consumption.

Much like having a magic tree hanging from the rear view mirror, or not having a wee before you leave the house.:)

Areyouwell · 13-11-2014 05:45PM

The Backwards Man wrote: »

Headlights are a major drain on fuel consumption, like indicators and clean windscreens. Silly idea.

Appropriate username.

Tokyo · 13-11-2014 05:46PM

The Backwards Man wrote: »

Much like having a magic tree hanging from the rear view mirror, or not having a wee before you leave the house.:)

Huh? Running electrical items creates a higher draw on the alternator which in turn puts a slightly heavier load on the engine. A small load of course, but not completely insignificant.

catallus · 13-11-2014 05:48PM

paulbok wrote: »

No enforcement needed, make it compulsory for the manufacturers to make their lights come on dipped when the engine is running.

New models have this, I think.

Sunnyisland · 13-11-2014 05:49PM

Always drive with my dips on,making sure the beams are aimed to there lowest level.

Dipped Headlights during the day

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