24-09-2019, 11:39 PM
(This post was last modified: 24-09-2019, 11:40 PM by Tony Griffiths.)
Most modern cars with front running lights have an option for automatic control of the headlamps. If the switch is not in this position and the light level falls to a level where the automatic system would switch them on (under dense shade, heavy rain, fog, etc), the dashboard lights go out. Some drivers take the hint to switch on their lights; some don't get it.
Does anyone remember "dim-dip"? A British idea where the sidelight setting would switch on the headlights, but through a resistance so they only lit dimly - a sort of primitive running-light set-up. EU law forced the abandonment of this system - and it did have its faults: I once followed an elderly driver at night who slowed down and braked every time a car came the other way. It eventually dawned on me that his car was fitted with dim-dip and the driver had switching to the first light position also put on the headlamps. At the first set of traffic light I went over to him and asked if he knew his lights were not on. "Yes,” he said, "they are, but very dim. I've never had a car with such poor lights." I pointed out the second switch position on his new Honda, he tried it and cried, "Wonderful I've got proper lights now." I went on my way.....
Does anyone remember "dim-dip"? A British idea where the sidelight setting would switch on the headlights, but through a resistance so they only lit dimly - a sort of primitive running-light set-up. EU law forced the abandonment of this system - and it did have its faults: I once followed an elderly driver at night who slowed down and braked every time a car came the other way. It eventually dawned on me that his car was fitted with dim-dip and the driver had switching to the first light position also put on the headlamps. At the first set of traffic light I went over to him and asked if he knew his lights were not on. "Yes,” he said, "they are, but very dim. I've never had a car with such poor lights." I pointed out the second switch position on his new Honda, he tried it and cried, "Wonderful I've got proper lights now." I went on my way.....