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From: paulhus@euclid.DEC
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Headlights/Aux. lights
Message-ID: <1359@decwrl.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 27-Mar-85 12:37:47 EST
Article-I.D.: decwrl.1359
Posted: Wed Mar 27 12:37:47 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 28-Mar-85 23:47:07 EST
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Organization: DEC Engineering Network
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	Some comments on daytime headlight use:
	1. The 30% reduction in accident rate figure comes from a
	fleet test (seems like it was Bell Telephone or some large
	utility) data.  This means a statistically valid control
	group (same drivers, previous year, same vehicles) with no
	causal relationships with ["good drivers" who turn on their
	headlights].
	2.  Personal opinion on headlight need:  I believe headlights
	are needed when the oncoming driver has reduced visibility 
	of you.  Of course, this means whenever it is raining. (I 
	believe that the state of Conn. has passed a law requiring
	headlights to be on when the windshield wipers are on.)  It's
	incredible how a silver car disappears in the rain.  (Guess
	I'll never own that German Racing Silver Porsche.)  
	  A less obvious need is when the sun is low and at your back 
	and in the eyes of oncoming traffic.  This is VERY hard to
	realize since the lighting is optimum for you.  But just
	notice the squinting of oncoming drivers!  
	3.  Personal experience:  I order white cars for their superior
	visibility.  A few years ago while suffering from lack of cash,
	I bought a used small BROWN station wagon (R-12 if you must know).
	I noticed that people were more apt to pull out in front of me
	than when I was driving my white VW bug.  I started driving with
	the headlights on in the R-12.  The incidence of people pulling
	out in front of me dropped to normal levels.  

	On Driving Lights:  I run the 8" Hella 2000 lights mounted above
	the front bumper, level with the headlights.  During the daytime
	I keep them protected/covered.  It is with a great deal of glee
	that I uncover them so I can "go out and make daylight" an night.
	I feel like a person walking around with a loaded gun.  They can
	be dangerous, life threatening even, if misused.  They are 
	relayed to the highbeams.  If I can see any indication of oncoming
	cars (light reflected off phone wires, guardrails) or can see
	tail lights ahead, no matter how far ahead, the lights go off!
	I hope others who use powerful lights are as careful.  Your anger
	is justified at those who misuse them.  There is no reason for
	auxiliary lighting under normal conditions in traffic. Fog lights
	should be used in fog only.  On a non-foggy night, if you have any 
	oncoming traffic, or can see taillights ahead, no matter how far 
	ahead, its low beam ONLY time.

	N. Chris Paulhus   DEC-Maynard   (617) 491-1850
	  decwrl!dec-10382!dec-euclid!paulhus