Day Time Running Lights!

[flusher]

I have no problem with them either. Just stating GM trucks seem to be the only ones running them.


Chris

My Isuzu NPR has them--but GMC and Isuzu are bedmates

 

[slowzuki]

I'm in Canada, almost all drl's here now except motorcycles seem to like to disable their lights, which sucks since they are hard to see anyways. Drives me nuts in the US on 2 lane roads, it will be a gray drizzling day near dusk, and people won't turn their lights on, can barely see them coming when pulling out. I'm not sure how old people can see them.

 

[Bird]

I'm in Canada, almost all drl's here now except motorcycles seem to like to disable their lights, which sucks since they are hard to see anyways. Drives me nuts in the US on 2 lane roads, it will be a gray drizzling day near dusk, and people won't turn their lights on, can barely see them coming when pulling out. I'm not sure how old people can see them.

I can't remember seeing a motorcycle with the lights disabled, except for police bikes.

 

[oldyellr]

I'm in Canada, almost all drl's here now except motorcycles seem to like to disable their lights, which sucks since they are hard to see anyways. Drives me nuts in the US on 2 lane roads, it will be a gray drizzling day near dusk, and people won't turn their lights on, can barely see them coming when pulling out. I'm not sure how old people can see them.

I've never seen motorcycle headlights disabled. Motorcycles have have had the headlight come on with the ignition since 1971 and riders have the most to lose if they're "not seen". I can only see the one percenters doing this to defy authority.

 

[cqaigy2]

Used to think? If I drove slow enough, I could likely drive in snow with racing slicks. It may be difficult to comprehend, but driving the speed limit isn't always needed to get from point A to point B.

Im sure glad a don't have to drive behind you when going to work.

 

[mvwicker]

I have no problem with them either. Just stating GM trucks seem to be the only ones running them.


Chris

Honda Ridgelines have DRLs, on while the engine is running and for a little bit after it is shut off.

 

[mvwicker]

I think that DRL's are the best thing since sliced bread.... mandatory in the States is OK with me. I even put the circuits in my non-GM vehicles... ANOTHER THING them Canucks do right..... eh?

I'm neither for them nor against them (much), but they do reduce fuel mileage enough so that manufacturers can pretend, for CAFE requirements in the USA, that their cars and light trucks don't have them.

 

[oldyellr]

I'm neither for them nor against them (much), but they do reduce fuel mileage enough so that manufacturers can pretend, for CAFE requirements in the USA, that their cars and light trucks don't have them.

For DRL use the lights run through a dimmer circuit so as not to put much of a drain on the alternator. Lacing the gas with ethanol probably reduces fuel mileage a lot more.

 

[Domush]

I've never seen motorcycle headlights disabled. Motorcycles have have had the headlight come on with the ignition since 1971 and riders have the most to lose if they're "not seen". I can only see the one percenters doing this to defy authority.

I had a 1974 Yamaha RD200 with a light switch, so it was definitely after that. As for lights out in modern times, I see Harleys with no headlight on on a regular basis. I'd say about 1 out of 20 Harleys I pass have no headlight on. I don't know if they added a light switch or if Harleys still have them, but it certainly makes them near invisible in the shade. Lucky for them you can hear them from 5 miles away with their obnoxious straight pipes.

Im sure glad a don't have to drive behind you when going to work.

You're likely right on that one. My friends all say I drive like an old man. I'm never in a hurry. I rid my life of the rat race and improved my time management about 7-8 years ago. Been a great change in my life, and has saved me plenty in fines and insurance costs to boot. My insurance company even sent me a "Safe Driver" certificate (which I thought was cute). As a side benefit, when going somewhere with friends, they tend to drive because they still have rockets up their butts.

I'm neither for them nor against them (much), but they do reduce fuel mileage enough so that manufacturers can pretend, for CAFE requirements in the USA, that their cars and light trucks don't have them.

The fuel costs are negligible, less than 1%. It is estimated if DRL were mandated across the US, it would add 2 million gallons to the US fuel bill, about 1 penny per person. Of course, this is just another "every penny adds up" example. With thousands of laws per state and tens (hundreds?) of thousands of federal mandates, a penny per year quickly becomes a part time job of extra taxes for little to no returns.

 

[oldyellr]

I had a 1974 Yamaha RD200 with a light switch, so it was definitely after that. As for lights out in modern times, I see Harleys with no headlight on on a regular basis. I'd say about 1 out of 20 Harleys I pass have no headlight on. I don't know if they added a light switch or if Harleys still have them, but it certainly makes them near invisible in the shade. Lucky for them you can hear them from 5 miles away with their obnoxious straight pipes.

Yeah, I could be mistaken on exactly when motorcycles first automatically had headlights on all the time and likely varied between stated and countries. I just did it out of self-preservation. But Harley riders (and wannabes with Harley look-alikes) are a different breed. There are choppers with 1930s style girder forks and many of indeterminate vintage which may escape the law.