Why do a lot of people not turn their lights on in inclement weather?

Question

Where I live, in PA, it is a state law that says you must turn on your headlights in inclement weather. My wife and I notice that many people drive w/no lights on during rain, overcast weather...etc. Yes, you may be able to see to drive, but the point is so that other people can see you.

Answer 1

I think 1947 has it right.     They are not incapable of understanding the rational behind the law,  and think it doesn't apply to them.  

STUPID!

Answer 2

STUPID GETS MY VOTE!

Answer 3

the excuse is :

I don't need them to see - why should I turn them on

BECAUSE - We need to see YOU

I agree !  S T A R !!!!!

Answer 4

I believe there are many states having a law stating it is necessary to turn on headlamps during inclimate weather. Some may argue the definition of "inclimate" while others may (without a doubt) lack drastically in the common sense arena. I heard one answer not long ago that perfectly describes the tunnel vision of some, or in this case one, and that is "it saves energy" and as a laugher one might add it makes the bulbs last longer... in any case I believe failure to "light up"  not only places the "idiot" but all others around him/her in harms way when one fails to light up. My vote is to ticket the violator, no first warning, and not only assess a fine for the violation but also mandate attendance in a driver's safety class. My future insurance premiums are at risk. Likewise, why do people drive on bald tires? with worn out wiper blades or brakes? etc....

Answer 5

For the same reasons that a normally nice person can turn into a real road jerk once the car door shuts, once in the car nothing outside the car matters to the person, even the safety of others so they tend to not think about anything beyond their own windshield

Answer 6

They are in a hurry and have a lot on their mind and they simply forget to turn them on. However, I do agree that stupidity is probably the #1 reason.

Answer 7

Laziness, stupidity and the lack of understanding the rules of the road..........................

Answer 8

They are afraid they will forget to turn them off when they get to where they are going and run their battery down.

Answer 9

Your last sentence just answered your own question...I can assure you that if someone takes a road test during rainy, snowy or foggy conditions that's an automatic failure...It is also why one of the main features on any future vehicle I may buy must have daytime running lights...I would much rather deal with a dead battery than be involved in a collision with someone who may not have seen me any day.

Answer 10

I agree.

Yesterday morning we had a dense fog here in Tennessee. I was in the parking lot of my work place when I saw an idiot drive up the road with no lights on. (visibility was about 25 feet.) But this was a gray/silver car)