Driving in the rain

[Cyc Wid It]

I was driving on 880 in the daytime, and it was raining pretty heavily. It was overcast and I noticed that only 30% (generously) of the drivers had their lights on. Am I missing something?

[Chris M]

I was driving on 880 in the daytime, and it was raining pretty heavily. It was overcast and I noticed that only 30% (generously) of the drivers had their lights on. Am I missing something?

Nope. It seems that people figure, "I can see the road just fine, there's no need to turn my lights on." Not realizing that it can make it difficult for others to see them.

I make it a point to get either in front of, or behind them and turn my lights on and off. 95% of the time, they don't get the hint.

[retired]

Not only should they have their lights on as was said; since they were more than likely using their wipers due to the rain, they were required by the cvc to have their lights on anyway. 24400 (a) vc.

[Chris M]

Not only should they have their lights on as was said; since they were more than likely using their wipers due to the rain, they were required by the cvc to have their lights on anyway. 24400 (a) vc.

Right, but how is it enforceable if ~70% of the population aren't abiding by that law?

[ZirconJohn]

Not only should they have their lights on as was said; since they were more than likely using their wipers due to the rain, they were required by the cvc to have their lights on anyway. 24400 (a) vc.

Wait... I know what you just said, but I would like to confirm this please. You are a retired LEO, correct? So, I not doubting you... please reiterate... when wipers are on... wait, I'll Google this...,

Well I'll be got-doggit if'n you aint right... lookie here now...!

Headlamps on Motor Vehicles
24400. (a) A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be:
(1) Equipped with at least two headlamps, with at least one on each side of the front of the vehicle, and, except as to vehicles registered prior to January 1, 1930, they shall be located directly above or in advance of the front axle of the vehicle. The headlamps and every light source in any headlamp unit shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 22 inches.

(2) Operated during darkness, or inclement weather, or both, with at least two lighted headlamps that comply with paragraph (1).

(b) As used in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), “inclement weather” is a weather condition that is either of the following:

(1) A condition that prevents a driver of a motor vehicle from clearly discerning a person or another motor vehicle on the highway from a distance of 1,000 feet.

(2) A condition requiring the windshield wipers to be in continuous use due to rain, mist, snow, fog, or other precipitation or atmospheric moisture.

Added Sec. 2, Ch. 415, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005. Operative July 1, 2005.
Amended Sec. 9, Ch. 311, Stats. 2006. Effective January 1, 2007.

Welllllll... I'll BE...!

[Doheny]

Right, but how is it enforceable if ~70% of the population aren't abiding by that law?

Just don't be the poor guy who gets pulled over.

[Chris M]

Just don't be the poor guy who gets pulled over.

It certainly won't be me. I know and abide by traffic laws, and practice (un)common courtesy.

[Chris M]

I was a bit more observant than usual of the people with headlights on/off today on the commute home. It wasn't raining very hard, and was still bright out (4:30). I'd have to say that in San Jose, the ratio is about 80/20 in favor of the law-abiding.

[Cyc Wid It]

Yeah, for me it's instinctual (turn on wipers = turn on lights), and it just helps. I'm not sure why people don't turn on their lights... trying to squeeze a couple more hours of drive time out of their lights? Who knows...

[zum]

when it rains please move out of the fast lane to go slow, and let me worry about the ticket

thats all!

OH AND btw yes i do turn my lights on

[IronColt]

it's just like ppl driving and using their phones. either they don't know or just don't care about the law.

[Rogue187]

Or just haven't been caught yet..
They will learn once they get a ticket and the fines.
They will realize the error in their ways..

[B.D.Dubloon]

when it rains please move out of the fast lane to go slow, and let me worry about the ticket

thats all!

OH AND btw yes i do turn my lights on

All this. I got places to be.

[misplacedpants]

Not meaning to thread crap here, but also the ppl that drive around with only their parking lamps on.

[Dr Pete]

The cops in the city of (my city) should follow the law, saw 2 patrol cars in the rain WITHOUT headlights on.
Almost hit a moron who didn't have his lights on while I was trying to make a left turn in the fog, he didn't realize I CANT see you without lights on.
There was a CHP following me, wonder if he turned around and gave the guy a dose of common sense?