Do you drive with your headlights on during the daytime? And do you think it makes driving safer?

Question

I tend to always drive with my lights on. I just always automatically turn them on out of habit. And I have heard that it is a state law in MN? (I don't live there.)

Answer 1

It is amazing how much better you can see an approaching car  ( or someone coming up behind you) when they have their headlamps on.   Motorcyclists have known this for years.

What made you think about this?  Or you a "new" or "old" driver?   Do you remember to turn your lights off when the car stops?  That is a problem if you forget.  One of the reasons why lots of drivers don't turn them on in the daytime- you don't see that they are on.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Studies have shown that driving with headlights on in the DAYTIME can reduce the chance of a crash by up to 25%.

I cannot tell you how many mornings I strained to see the idiot in the 3,000 lb grey car, driving on the grey road, against the grey sky, who believed everybody should be able to see him, while trying to determine if it was safe to enter the highway.  I learned 43 years ago to put headlights on on the highway, it saves thousands of lives by calling attention to the fact there really is a car coming, that shadow is not a car going the other way, that shadow is not a tree, that shadow is not from a cloud, it is really a car.  What was true and safe 43 years ago is even more true now because there are several million more cars on the road now.  There is a reason Canada mandates daytime running lights, and the next life saved could be yours.

Answer 3

I have the day time running lights.  But yes, I think it does cause you can be seen better.  I know it makes motorcycles safer cause you can see them better when they are coming toward you.

Answer 4

Many years ago when I was 12 or 13, I was in the backseat of the car with my grandma and mom and dad were in the front.  Dad was driving and grandma asked "Why does that car have it's lights on during the day?"  

Dad's answer was "That's why"  In other words...she noticed the car.

Answer 5

I turn them on when it rains.  Had a car with daytime running lights and got broadsided by someone running a red light.  I have read it makes a difference but in the two accidents I've had my lights were on and the people pulled out in front in one case and tried to run through me in the other.  Maybe I should cut them off.

Answer 6

Yes I do because my vehicle had (DRL) daytime running lights and I still would even if they did not plus yes it is alot safer..........

Answer 7

Yes they are on only because they can't be shut off.  Its ridiculous.  No I don't think its safer.  If someone can't see my 3000 pound vehicle in daylight then they shouldn't have a drivers license because that means they surely can't see a child, or a bicycle, or a pedestrian.  Its a senseless waste of energy designed to idiot-proof driving for bad drivers.

Answer 8

No and it definitely makes driving at night safer!

Answer 9

I do drive with my lights on all the time.  On my volvo and motorcycle they can't be turned off; on my other car they can, but I turn them on anyway.

The research I've seen published (sorry, I've no references) shows that with lights on you are more likely to be seen, but it may make it more difficult to judge your speed.  I feel that if another driver has seen me then the most important bit has been done.

Answer 10

never unless it is raining. to many idiots drive in the daytime with their high beams on and that can be as blinding during the day as it is at night.