DRIVING: Seeing is half the secret; the other half is being seen
Conspicuity = The art of being seen. Because it’s not just you on the road. Drive as though you are surrounded by idiots. -Britt/SPN
-Transportation BC
15 Seconds to Safety: Are Your Tail Lights On?
One of the most common mistakes drivers are making these dark, wintry days is failing to activate their tail lights.
If you’re ever trailing one of these phantom cars, either during a cloudy day or even at night, chances are there are one or more misconceptions at play.
Misconceptions:
- Tail lights are like daytime running lights: they are always on. Not true. They turn on with the headlights.
- A lit up dashboard means all lights are on. Not always true. Some newer vehicles’ dashboards are constantly backlit.
- It’s daytime… so, tail lights aren’t needed. Not always true. In reality, tail lights are an important part of being seen from behind, especially in winter when days are shorter and snow, rain, fog, and all-around dreariness are common 24 hours a day.
A flick of a switch can mean the difference between a collision and getting home safely. Watch this quick video to make sure you know your lights.
And while you’re at it, check out the other videos in the 15 Seconds to Safety Shift Into Winter series:
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See so many cars with only day time running lights on and no tail lights.
Too often do I see cars with no tail lights on in hazardous driving conditions.
Some people even think that their tail lights automatically come on when they are on DRL’s. Turn your lights on with the headlight switch, don’t just jump in and drive and hope for the best.
Fact: Studies have shown that, in any conditions, vehicles following a car with tail lights on tend to hang back further on average.
Love meeting all the vehicles with their hi beams on and not switching to low beam.
Low voltage headlamps come on when turning ignition key, but not necessarily the tail lights. I believe later model vehicles also include tail lights but you will have to confirm by getting out and looking at your tail lights. Be aware. It’s part of driving defensively.