Why, in poor visibility, do so many drivers fail to use their headlights and high density rear lights?

Question

Does it annoy you that on fine, dry, evenings, you end up behind someone,blinded by their rear high density lights, yet on motorways, in heavy spray, no one seems to use them?

201: You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves (see Rule 211).
Law RVLR regs 25 & 27

Answer 1

I half agree...
Yes, people who drive around in clear conditions with fog/driving lights on, are deeply irritating.

However, as it states in the Highway Code, hi-intensity rear lights must only be used in foggy or misty conditions, when visibilty is down to less than 100m. They MUST NOT be used in heavy rain or road spray. The police can fine you for doing so.

This is for safety reasons - the reflections of the lights in the rain/spray make it difficult for other road users to see your indicators or brakes lights.

Answer 2

Here in the UK it's illegal to use fog lights unless the visibility is reduced to less than 100 metres. Switching them on just because it's raining is selfish and inconsiderate because they dazzle other road users, making it more likely for them to have an accident, which could include running into you. If the visibility is under 100m I use them myself for the same reason, I don't want someone to be unaware of my presence until it's too late to brake without crashing into me. This applies in both fog and rain. Obviously nobody should be going that fast in such conditions, but some people are stupid and will do so anyway.

Answer 3

There's a bit of grey line about their use. Most manufacturers refer to them as "foul weather lights" which means they're to be used whenever weather is bad and visibility is reduced.

In particularly heavy rain or spray situations, it is correct to use them, as is the front "fog" lights (which people always moan about too). Since increasing others awareness of you on the road is a safet related clause in the highway code. The common code of conduct is that if you can make out the outline of a car but cant see it's tail lights clearly then use of the foul weather lights is permimtted. it's a bit of a common sense thing, normal rain isn't bad enough to warrant them.

As for the twit who reckons they're dangerous to be used on cars?!?! Doh, it's all fine and dandy educating drivers but if they can't see the flaming car ahead how are they supposed to avoid it?!

Answer 4

You comment on other people's incorrect use of rear high intensity lights, but then go on to promote their use incorrectly.

You are not allowed to use those lights when you just encounter road spray. It actually specifies that in the highway code.

Rear high intensity lights are to be use only when general visability is lower than 100 meters..... no just because its raining a bit, not just because its snowing and not just because the car infront is causing road spray.

Answer 5

If it was my decison, I would ban rear fog lights full stop.

They are the most dangerous item fitted to a car apart from the accelerator.

When in use, they obscure the functioning of the normal brake lights and cause a red glow across the windscreen of any following vehicles.

Far better to educate drivers to leave a larger breaking distance than blind him with bright red lights.

Never ever use them and if you should be passing a parked car that has them, smash them with a hammer

Answer 6

It PISSES ME OFF that so many people use rear foglights under whatever road conditions. In heavy spray you can't tell when their brake lights have also come on.

In heavy spray conditions you should drive slowly enough to be within your stoppping distance for anything that you see. NOT just the highly illuminated **** of a BMW in front.

Answer 7

It is MADDENING!!!! As a professional driver, it is EXTREMELY difficult to change lanes so as to avoid following another car too closely when you can't see who's behind you. By the same token, why do people insist upon using high beams early in the morning when it is nice out??? Very annoying and very confusing!!

Answer 8

In America I drive at night in heavy snow conditions with my headlights turned off but my running lights still on because I can see the road better with my headlights off.

Answer 9

Yes, I find it hard to understand why people don't drive with their headlights on, especially in low visibility conditions. I read once that you are 65% less likely to be in an accident if you have your headlights on.

Answer 10

The major bus companys drive with lights on 24/7..I agree wityh you. IN Canada all new cars must have day time lights..