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Original poster

Driving with sidelights on ... RANT!!

15 replies

mamandelion · 07/01/2006 16:26

Can anyone please explain to me why some drivers insist on driving with only sidelights on, instead of full lights? You still can't see them, so they might as well have their lights off! Do they think they're saving money? Please, if anyone has the answer I'd be delighted to hear it.....

OP posts:
TeddyRobinson · 07/01/2006 16:27

Dunno - I always think it's rather pointless too.

hercules · 07/01/2006 16:30

Volvo always have sidelights on.

PrettyCandles · 07/01/2006 16:32

IIRC, according to the Highway Code you need only use sidelights in a built-up area with streetlighting. Full lights aren't required unless you are in an area without streetlights. But I could be mistaken - I'm sure someone will link to the Code!

Original poster
mamandelion · 07/01/2006 16:35

But surely it's nothing to do with the Highway Code and more to do with common sense? I was driving today and it was incredibly dull weather, and slightly drizzly. There were lots of cars with only sidelights which I couldn't see until they were quite close. Having full lights on is something that protects you as a driver, so I can't understand why people insist on not doing it. (still annoyed as you can tell!

OP posts:
hercules · 07/01/2006 16:38

here I am sad

Janh · 07/01/2006 16:42

I used to know someone who refused to use heater or rear-screen demister on the grounds that it put too much strain on the battery - driving with him in wet weather was a thrill a minute - maybe these sidelighters are the same kind of loony?

suedonim · 07/01/2006 16:44

They are probably the same people who, at night, insist on driving with foglights glaring even though it's so clear you can virtually see across the Atlantic.

Original poster
mamandelion · 07/01/2006 16:45

LOL, suedonim. Don't get me started on that one!

OP posts:
iota · 07/01/2006 16:47

Janh was he very old? My mum was like that - -I think cars were far less sophisticated in her day.....not very much electrical equip in them

Janh · 07/01/2006 17:28

No, he was about 35, iota - drove a Maxi (this was early 80s) - had a mad wife though who had very fixed ideas about things (She Who Must Be Obeyed type!)

iota · 07/01/2006 17:30

if he was 35 in the early eighties he must be knocking on a bit now...but not as old as my mum - she's in her 70's.

my first car was a maxi

suedonim · 07/01/2006 17:34

That reminds me of our (not old) friend in the US, Jan. He won't have the a/c on when going up to their cabin in the Catskills because, apparently, the power the a/c uses means the truck won't be able to get up the mountains. The mountains are mere molehills, imo, at about 2,000ft, and his truck has a 5.9litre engine! We had the last laugh, though, because on one particularly hot day when he insisted on no a/c but open windows, a bee flew in and caused pandemonium!

NannyL · 07/01/2006 23:04

it also drives me mad when its dusk / alomst dark and people STILL only ahve side lights!

im the other way... unless its really bright my lights are always on!

Janh · 07/01/2006 23:09

It's mad, isn't it, suedonim? As long as the car is moving the alternator keeps the battery charged (doesn't it? [panic]) and driving with the windows open probably uses as much extra fuel as running the AC with them shut.

Did he get stung btw?

suedonim · 08/01/2006 14:24

No, he didn't get stung but I've never seen anything so funny as a great hulking man flapping his arms around and screaming like a girlie!!!!! Luckily we were on a quiet freeway so the truck was still just about under control.

Dh tried explaining the mechanics of alternators/open windows/blahdeblah. You know, you can lead a horse to water but.....

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