Daylight running with headlamps

[Baz456]

What is the general consensus of opinion concerning the use of headlights during the daytime? Most motorcycle riders use their headlights to maximise visibility to other road users and it would seem sensible for us to do so as well as our cars have such a low and compact profile from the front.

[DIY-Si]

I always have mine on, despite being in a bright orange car with a lot of acreage in comparison with most here.

 

I think the added chance of someone seeing a car that is so low and different compared to the shapes most people subconsciously identify as cars is always worth it.

[Stuart]

I read somewhere that because we present a small horizontal shape we are even less visible to the human eye than a bike.....

[Insuranceman]

Well i must have been invisable as a white 13 reg 3 series estate pulled out in front of me from a side road at about 50 yards, even my missus had some f words for the driver. He then decided he would do 40 mph for about 7 miles.😤

[SteveB21]

I always drive with dipped headlamps on, despite also having a bright orange Westie. I also have a high level brake lamp on the roll bar with flasher module to make people (especially those in large 4x4s) realise I’m slowing down…

[Kingster]

I have led DRLs that are always on if I forget to put lights on. Being an ex biker of 35yrs I drive the westy like I used to ride the bike and assume everyone is going to pull out in front of you. 
 

But you can’t get away from the ineptitude of other drivers. I had someone pull out (fail to give way at a mini roundabout) whilst driving my Vito camper the other day. Missed him/her/they/them/it by inches only because I slammed the brakes on.

[p k]

Since the welsh assembly decreed that all 30mph limits will be reduced to 20mph I have noticed more drivers and cyclists will pull out in front  of another vehicle in the areas that are already signed for 20 .

[Steve20]

Always drive with dipped headlights on, worth doing everything possible to be seen.

[Iamscotticus]

In my experience,  I do drive with the lights on, but where a 7 is most hidden is beside a car.  I would play a game and pull up to someone to see how long it took to be seen.  In most cases, too long if at all.

Im mot an aggressive driver ever, but for seven survival,  one shouldn't stay in one place.  Be passing or falling back.  The best way to be seen is to be darting around, constantly avoiding blind spots like they will be the death of you.

[Stuart Davis AO - Devon Cornwall & Somerset]

I don’t often use dipped headlights during the day but agree that it makes total sense too. Will start trying to remember! Probably easiest to change the wiring though so they always come on, knowing my memory 🤪

[TableLeg]

I don't use my headlamps as I have Daylight running lamps (DRLs). I wired mine to a changeover relay so they come on with ignition but go off if I then turn the headlights on.

 

Have you considered using DRLs?

[Mighty Mart]

Would NEVER drive my Westfield without my lights on - its a must as far as I am concerned...

The smaller percentage of drivers that do use their mirrors are looking for a 'normal' object in their mirrors - i.e another car, van or lorry - this is why they will often miss motorcycles or sevens, as it's a recognition thing apparently.

Owning and riding a motorbike previously - although many years ago, is a handy tool to have - everyone else out there is an idiot and hasn't seen you!

Mart

[Baz456]

Many thanks for all your comments. As an ex biker myself I'm a great fan of using headlamps at all times - a practice I will now continue to use with my Westie.

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

As a result of too many close shaves - notably one at the top of Aston Hill on the old A40 from Lewknor to Stokenchurch - I now would not drive my Westfield on the public roads at all. As it happens it's been on the trailer in my garage for a long time anyway.