response 93 of 120:

Nov 29 02:44 UTC 2003

There was a study several years ago that showed people who use their 
headlights all the time get in less accidents.  I've never been 
convinced the headlights made the difference.  People who do things 
like that are probably more careful drivers, and a car with headlights 
on in the daytime was unusual.  It seemed to me those things probably 
accounted for the safety difference.

Anyway, Canada passed a law saying all cars have to have headlights on 
all the time.  Maybe it's just for new cars; I'm not sure.  I think it 
was backed by GM.  GM came out with the marketing scheme of daytime 
running lights (DRL), and new GM cars have all had them for about 7 or 
8 years now.  The headlights aren't on; just the parking lights.  I 
don't know of any follow-up studies on whether DRLs make a 
difference.  I assume they don't when I'm driving.

I also turn on my headlights earlier than many, and leave them on 
later than many.  Headlights don't cost very much so I don't care if I 
wear them out faster.

Another thing I do, if I don't have my headlights on, but see a few 
other cars which do, I turn mine on too.  If other people think they 
need them, maybe they really do.