Headlights in the rain

[Gilitygirl]

Not trying to be controversial her, just wondering what your thoughts are on this...

Was driving in torrential rain (solo) along the M54 over the weekend. Was really surprised the number of people who hadn't even got sidelights on.

How wet does it have to be before you put your lights on?

 

[joeby]

i allways have my side lights on when on the Motorway wet or dry ,

 

[Carli_374365147]

i allways have my side lights on when on the Motorway wet or dry ,

Side lights should actually be called parking lights.

There is no circumstance for just "sidelights" to be used except when parked on a road with a 40mph or higher speed limit.

You really want to be driving with dipped headlights if you want to be seen, anyting else is just giving you a false sense of security.

just my 2 cents worth

 

[Carli_374365147]

Meant it as a reply to the topic, Doh!

Side lights should actually be called parking lights.

There is no circumstance for just "sidelights" to be used except when parked on a road with a 40mph or higher speed limit.

You really want to be driving with dipped headlights if you want to be seen, anyting else is just giving you a false sense of security.

I also use dipped headlights on a dry sunny day when driving on roads that are sided by tree's. The shadows / sun / shadows can mean your car is not visible to other motorists heading towards you.

just my 2 cents worth

 

[RogerP]

Yes , I drive with dipped lights in wet weather and low light levels , (as a former motorcycle rider I used to have my lights on permantly irrespective of conditions.)

More learned contributors may counter this but I thought there was some regluation that came into force in 1972 that stated dipped lights to be used when raining.

I may have dreamt that though!!!!!

 

[Bigfoot]

From the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1984,

Requirements about the use of headlamps and front fog lamps

25.-(1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), no person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road a vehicle which is fitted with obligatory dipped-beam headlamps unless every such lamp is kept lit-

(a) during the hours of darkness, except on a road which is a restricted road for the purposes of section 81 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 by virtue of a system of street lighting when it is lit; and

(b) in seriously reduced visibility.

(2) The provisions of paragraph (1) do not apply-

(a) in the case of a motor vehicle fitted with one obligatory dipped-beam headlamp or a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination fitted with a pair of obligatory dipped-beam headlamps, if a main-beam headlamp or a front fog lamp is kept lit;

(b) in the case of a motor vehicle, other than a solo motor bicycle or motor bicycle combination, fitted with a pair of obligatory dipped-beam headlamps, if-

(i) a pair of main-beam headlamps is kept lit; or

(ii) in seriously reduced visibility, a pair of front fog lamps which is so fitted that the outermost part of the illuminated area of each lamp in the pair is not more than 400 mm from the outer edge of the vehicle is kept lit;

(c) to a vehicle being drawn by another vehicle;

(d) to a vehicle while being used to propel a snow plough; or

(e) to a vehicle which is parked.

(3) For the purposes of this regulation a headlamp shall not be regarded as lit if its intensity is reduced by a dim-dip device.

Basically, if it's rain, fog, sleet or snow Turn on your dipped headlights

 

[busman1]

It is I am told, a regulation in the vehicles belonging to the forces that if your wipers are on then your dipped headlighs should be on.

Also I drive for the biggest bus co. in the UK and their policy is to drive with dipped headlights at all times as it is proven to cut down on accidents

Will

 

[JaseR]

When I was learing to drive I was told to use side lights if wipers are required on intermittent and dipped headlights if wipers sre required on full

 

[empee]

Carli is right - 'side lights' should only be used as parking lights.

People do appear to drive around in poor visibility in the belief their parking lights are making them more visible. The vehicle itself will usually be seen long before the parking lights - they are therefore contributing nothing to improved visibility.

 

[Chrisbee]

Thank goodness for this forum. For years I have been banging on about parking lights being called "side lights" and being used on their own when driving. At least I know I'm not alone. As others have said, they are correctly called parking lights and should only be used as such. Years ago vehicles were fitted with 'dim/dip' devices which automatically illuminated the dip beam at a reduced intensity when parking lights were lit and the engine was running, thus making it impossible to drive with parking lights alone. Unfortunately a major european motor manufacturer challanged the need to have them fitted in court and won their case. As a cost saving excercise all makers then stopped fitting them. A big step backwards in road safety in my opinion.

 

[Gilitygirl]

Your replies are a bit of a relief actually.

Personally, I put on my dipped beams in the rain, but as I said there were loads in really nasty spray who a) didn't slow down and b) didn't put any lights on.

Thought it might just be me being anal getting worked up by them!

So it's nice to know I was in the right, lol.

 

[Meister]

And whilst on the subject of vehicle lights in the rain ............. what about the morons who have their rear fog lights on in rain ?

This is a great way to cause dazzle to vehicles behind.

 

[glake]

i would have to disagree with you meister, in heavy rain just rear lights are not much more effective than no lights, you need you're fog lights on to be seen safly. i would agree however, that after the rain has stopped and visability improved then people need to remeber to switch them off!

 

[Zafiral]

Gareth

On older cars I would agree with you, but on modern cars with much better designed rear reflectors (and often multiple rear lights on each side) that rear fog lights are more of a hinderence than a benifit.

 

[Bigfoot]

If it's really heavy and there's loads of spray I will put my rear foglight on. At least I can be seen and if it's too bright for you then you're too close anyway!

 

[KeithJ]

Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought it was illegal to drive with fog lights on in the rain (and when its dry but not foggy).

 

[KeithJ]

I'll correct myself! -

Have checked with Cheshire Police web site : front and rear fog lights are only permitted in seriously reduced visibility. This is generally considered to be 100 metres or less - so I presume could be used in very heavy rain but must be switched off immediately when conditions improve.

 

[Meister]

Of course rear fog lights on when the rain is so heavy that visibility is SERIOUSLY REDUCED ...... no sensible person would disagree with that

BUT

I am complaining about the morons who have rear fogs on in rain when it is just not needed. I do NOT need to be to close in order to be dazzled by these idiots.

Its even worse at night.

 

[Steve L]

My own thoughts on headlights are they are essential in the rain.

You would honestly think that there was an electric meter fitted to some cars that required a

 

[WatsonJohnG]

I followed a car in Wigan once with rear fog lights on in broad daylight and arrived at the same parking area with the said vehicle

I approached the driver and politely asked if he knew that he had his rear fog lights on

Oh yes was the reply I have the grandchildren in the car!!

Its the people who pass you in atrocious driving conditions with haedlights and front/rear foglights on that baffle me

Its like saying I know its bad weather but "Geronimo"

 

[Steve L]

I know what you mean John.

People these days just do not think for themselves. I think they truly believe that just because thier car has extra visability lighting (fog lights) or air bags, or side impact protection, then everything can go on as normal. They then proceed to still travel at top speed.

The thinking driver seems to be a rareity these days.

I always the safety of others, then my safety, way above any desire to get from A to B at break neck speed.

Funny thing though, I seem to get to my destinations quicker than most folks can. It must be my alert, anticipative, defencive yet progressive driving style that I was trained in.

Steve L.

 

[AdifferentJim]

I've got a Volvo: don't need to think

 

[steve_374370239]

I've got a Volvo: don't need to think

its vertually impossible to detect who has rear fogs on and who is braking in heavy rain.the glare is very dangerous and the person who,s reaction was to say ur simply "too close" is a fat head.our motorways are so congested and speeds so excessive that one minor mistake can be fatal to many.glare from fog lights are a danger to all including the prat with them on.he or she may feel safe but will that be a consolation to ur nearest and dearest when that 44 ton artic driver hasnt spotted that you,ve braked and all the fog lights and air bags are rendered useless.as for the idiots who use front fogs in normal conditions.they are not drive lights,they dont make ur car look "cooler" and if u need them to see then let them light the way to specsavers{other optitions are available}.also if u were to be involved in an accident and it was proven that were using fogs especially front ones on a clear night and they blinded the other driver where do u think the insurance companies would stand?and if the injuries were serious what stance would the police take?