I'v been seeing this a lot recently, too.

Don't know it this is it or partially it, but having auto-on headlights messed with me for the first year. At times I wanted them off I'd turn them off and not realize I'd turned them off, or still in the habit to hitting that switch and not all together realizing I'd turned it off. I'd liken it to buying a new fridge with freezer on bottom. I was constantly reaching for the wrong door, it threw me for a loop for a couple years.

When I ride my bicycle and see this, I generally try to tell the driver their lights are off, so they don't kill someone but ostensibly so they don't get pulled over. The last two times I did this, with the universal twisting-left-hand-lights motion, they just stared me down angrily. I don't know wtf anymore.

Vehicle manufacturers need to just make headlights auto now.

In my experience its actually a car experience issue in cities with streetlamps. Auto-lights will come on, but older cars wont have their lights on, even though with lamps it looks ok. those not used to a manual might have a tough time. Very Important PSA

Thank you. I wasn’t sure what the norm was regarding headlights here and whether I should turn mine on.

you realize older cars exist right ?

You realize that’s why he/she said vehicle manufacturers need to just make headlights auto now, right?

but not everyone is going to buy a new car …..

And PLEASE make sure your high beams are turned off!

Ok and for those who are buying new cars, the manufacturer needs to make headlights auto now

Disagree.

Drivers just need to be more engaged.

I don't disagree with your point but I'd rather all new cars come with automatic headlights to take the human out of the equation.

It's already apparent that a lot of people can't be bothered to think about more than what's immediately in front of them when they're behind the wheel.

> It’s already apparent that a lot of people can’t be bothered to think about more than what’s immediately in front of them when they’re behind the wheel.

Exactly my point. Drivers need to me more engaged, aware of themselves and their surroundings, and less reliant on automacy.

If you want to take the human out the equation, that’s fine. Take the bus then.

This needs to be broadcast more.

I have had migraines since I was a kid and even though the really bad obvious screaming pain headaches are rare for me, I still deal with problems caused by high light contrast. It's bad enough when someone oncoming has their high beams on, but there's no need to be lighting up the interior of my car from behind like I stayed at the bar past closing time.

Also daytime running lights are not a substitute. Your tail lights don’t come on. This is especially an issue when it’s rainy.

Agreed. It's like people forgot that driving is a responsibility, skill, and privilege. The only way bubble wrapping cars can work is if they're full autonomous. Otherwise this stuff just enables even worse driving habits.

Surprised you're getting the hate. My 96 Toyota had an auto on/off feature. Figured it would be standard fare 26 years later.

That's part of the problem. We were conditioned by decades of "the dashboard lights up when the headlights are on" awareness, but now with dashboard screens and light shows, and DRLs that are probably just as strong as their last car's faded-over headlights, there are a lot of drivers who see enough in front of them to think that their car's lights are on.

I swear to god, I have no idea how people got their drivers license around here.

There is no “social norm” when driving. There are just laws and following the rules of driving, from the drivers manual.

Use headlights when it’s dark, or vision is impaired by weather.

Use blinker when changing lanes and turning.

Follow multiple car lengths behind others, for a safe stopping distance.

When others are trying to merge, yield to their request.

The left lane is for passing.

I honestly think a lot of these people just see that they can see their lights are on in front of them and that's literally all they care about.

9 times out of 10 they're the same people sitting there aimlessly for 5 seconds after the light turns green because they have no awareness of the world around them.

also when its raining

ITS THE LAW (lame) etc

I got my license down here, it was hardly a test I just drove around the DMV a couple of blocks. Didn't ask me to go on the highway, didn't ask me to parallel park.

Northern VA dmv is way different and much more strict from what my friends have told me.

Not just in RVA but out on Hwy 360 East and West. And Stop using those damn ultra bright headlights as well as High beams when meeting oncoming vehicles or being behind other vehicles.

They're more engaged with their phones, than they are driving.

The SpongeBob meme where the one fish is blinded by light and he says “My eyes”

I commute to work via 360 East and there are semi-trucks and cars and trucks that have these ultra-bright headlights on them and I have to move my eyes to the right to avoid eye contact. Also the ones that speed up behind and then go around instead of getting into the left lane before passing by.

The ones in the left lane on Hwy 360 West past Skinquarter are the ones who turn off onto 153 in Amelia, or further down the road at the Food Lion/Stop lights. They can't wait until they cross the Appomattox Bridge into Amelia, so they all block the left lane the whole way.

Just because the motorcycle doesn't take up the whole lane, doesn't mean you can pass! I swear every day I ride, at least ONE person attempts to overtake me in my own lane.

I would be terrified to ride a motorcycle around here with these aggressive drivers.

It can be scary. I usually am little generous with the throttle to stay as far away from others as I can be. When I can't be, I always make sure I have a way out. Part of riding a motorcycle is just assuming no one can see you and/or assuming other drivers are actively trying to kill you with their car.

At least some are turning on dash lamp on and have that little yellow lights on the front.

Seriously I've seen so many drivers that are unaware that headlights are still turned off thinking their dash lights are on and so too headlights.

Turn the knob all the way!

That’s terrifying 😂

and for the love of god if you have those led headlights don’t tail gate people you’re only making it worse just go around when it’s safe to pass

The only way I would own a motorcycle was if I got to shoot at motorists. People driving like morons.. Is there a stronger word than morons?

I swear people get worse at driving every year. The number of people who go 50mph down Semmes and completely ignore the school zone 25mph lights is like 9/10 drivers. The speed limit on that road is 30. There are signs out, I even remember locals protesting on the street during peak commute hours, nothing changes.

If cops want to meet their unofficial quotas, they should seriously just post up at Semmes Ave.

Every Volvo I've owned has automatic headlights. When you start the engine, the headlights turn on. There's absolutely no need to turn off your headlights. At least I'll never forgot to turn on/off my headlights. Why do so few manufacturers set it up this way?!?

I agree wholeheartedly, but I also want to ask what the deal is with rva streets not having streetlights. Is this normal in all American cities? I go up down broad street on the west end and it’s only retail shops’ lights that are there

Yes, headlights. Not high beams. Please note. I can’t think of anywhere in the city where high beams would be a necessity.

I've been guilty of this before because I hardly ever drive at night but I usually noticed it quickly when it happened.

And turn your damn brights off when 1. A car approaches in the opposite lane 2. You’re behind another car at night. And 3. Don’t tailgate on two lane roads. What are you trying to accomplish? You’re obviously not really in a hurry if you won’t even pass when your opportunity comes. Go around or get off my ass.

This was me back in 2009. Hampton Roads..

Especially in a storm ... on the 11th when we were on 64/95 I swear the only people who had lights on were the truck driver's.

And if you have auto headlights, just turn them on and leave them on. I see so many people with brand new cars and headlights off. I know your ass has an auto setting…use it. I guess nothing is idiot-proof.

I’ve said this a million times but I’ll say it again....ALL CAR’S HEADLIGHTS SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY COME ON WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED ON, DAY OR NIGHT. CAR ON, LIGHTS ON. CAR OFF, LIGHTS OFF. Stay visible all day and night and no dead batteries. Too simple I guess.

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Only married and about to be married drivers got it.

They're talking about future cars like how backup cameras are standard by law now.

I just figure they're hammered or have a mechanical issue.