towing safety

[3ares]

Is it safer to tow with the lights on or off?

Happy Camping

[kaydeejay]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Your turn signals and brake lights will be much more noticed with the lights off.

You may not have noticed, but in the last couple of years most manufacturers turn off the DRL on the side that the turn signal is operating.
Brake lights have no conflict as the tail lights are not on with DRLs, only on if the driver has all the lights turned on.

In my book, the big benefit of DRLs is that the drivers who refuse to turn lights on in heavy rain, mist or fog, or even at dusk, are more visible, at least from the front.

[Cummins12V98]

Your turn signals and brake lights will be much more noticed with the lights off.

[frizzen]

fj12ryder wrote:
How come we never see any of the funded research disprove what the researches set out to prove? They always find the proper results to support their theories. 🙂

You must be a teacher. It's always that way in education.

[K3WE]

Years ago an insurance study strongly supported lights during the day... and I'd say their call had a clear monetary benefit.

Also, consider when car colors match pavement colors, shadows...

AND, late in the day- if the sun is at your bacxk the world lookes EXTREMELY clear and sharp... But the folks you meeting see glare, haze and sometimes blinding sun.

[fj12ryder]

How come we never see any of the funded research disprove what the researches set out to prove? They always find the proper results to support their theories. 🙂

[rhagfo]

dodge guy wrote:
I can see an on coming car during the day without issue. no lights necessary. GM tried this years ago with the NHTSA, and it didn`t go anywhere. all the research showed it didn`t make a anyone any safer.

I`ll put them on in the rain and at night, that's it.

Now I will illuminate them at the campsite! gotta have everyone notice me there!!! :B

You can see a dark car on a shaded road ahead when you are in bright sunlight?? You will notice a car with lights on sooner than one without.

I have been driving for 48 years, lights on day or night, it is truly a habit. I believe if you look at studies that show it reduces accidents.

[SilverEscape]

kaydeejay wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
All the research showed it didn`t make a anyone any safer!

You might want to ask the Canadians or the Swedes about that!
THEIR research indicated a 30% reduction in daytime accidents involving vehicles with their lights on.
Which is why it is a legal requirement in those countries for all new vehicles to have DRLs.

Makes sense to me. It's super obvious here that people with lights on are more visible and visible sooner. I read some research about a decade ago that said this varied with latitude I think? Can't recall, but the difference is super obvious here. And with all of our 2-way, single lane each way, small shouldered highways, I'm thrilled to have the majority of vehicles with their lights on.

[kaydeejay]

dodge guy wrote:
All the research showed it didn`t make a anyone any safer!

You might want to ask the Canadians or the Swedes about that!
THEIR research indicated a 30% reduction in daytime accidents involving vehicles with their lights on.
Which is why it is a legal requirement in those countries for all new vehicles to have DRLs.

[bluie5]

Mine come on automatically when my wipers are on. If it's foggy or hazy then I turn them on. Don't see the need when it's sunny out.

[TXiceman]

If it is a beautiful clear day, I may or may not run with the lights on. If the weather is the slightest bit hazy, misty or the like, the light are on.

Many state laws require your lights to be on any time the wipers are operated.

I want to be sure I am seen.

Ken

[Jim_Shoe]

When I'm moving in the MH, I always drive with lights on (low beam) during the day. I want other drivers to see me, and it doesn't run the battery down.

[fj12ryder]

Six of one and half-dozen of the other. IMO anyway.

[dodge_guy]

I can see an on coming car during the day without issue. no lights necessary. GM tried this years ago with the NHTSA, and it didn`t go anywhere. all the research showed it didn`t make a anyone any safer.

I`ll put them on in the rain and at night, that's it.

Now I will illuminate them at the campsite! gotta have everyone notice me there!!! :B

[Desert_Captain]

downtheroad wrote:
Makes sense that the more visible you are adds to the 'safety' factor.
Lights on makes you more visible.

X2 Can't think of a down side to having them on. :C