Damn you, it's the law.

I'm amazed at the amount of people that drive in rain, mist, fog, without their head lights on. So I ask you - do you put them on, and if not, why?

Here it is, another cloudy day in Connecticut. It's been raining on and off. Same as it was on April 21 when I posted this on my Facebook page:

Nearly 50 people responded. All of them telling me they put them on. Not only did they know it's the law in Connecticut, but I heard Ohio, Maryland and Florida too. Some vehicles lights automatically go on, but everyone was aware of doing it. Carla even said that since she drives a silver car she always drives with her lights on because she feels safer.

Yes, it's Connecticut law. This from cga.ct.gov:

Connecticut law does not link the display of headlights to windshield wiper use. Instead, it requires a motor vehicle to display its headlights and other required lighting devices (1) from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, (2) at any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, people or vehicles are not clearly discernable at a distance or 500 feet, or (3) during any period of precipitation such as rain, snow, or fog.

Did you read #3 because it's clearly stated.

Even the Connecticut Drivers manual talks about use of Headlights on page #38:

On rainy, snowy or foggy days, it is sometimes hard for other drivers to see your vehicle. In these conditions, headlights make your vehicle easier to see. Remember, if you turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights. It’s the law.

So it's not only the law, it's also plain common sense. On top of that, if you're driving a silver, grey, white, or any light colored vehicle in rain and road mist, people can't see you.

Yet again this morning on my commute in the misty rain more cars than I could count didn't have lights on. Why is something that should be so easy, so very hard for so many people to grasp? I truly find it confounding, don't you?

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