Why Do People Not Realize This Is Illegal in New York?
Not only is it illegal, it's also dangerous.
This is something that bothers me every time is rains, when I'm behind the wheel of my car.
Over the past year or so, I've noticed many people driving without their headlights on when it's raining, foggy or snowing.
This morning it was raining very hard: you know, the sideways kind of rain. Either way, I counted 24 cars, trucks or utility vans that did not have their headlights on while I was heading to work. Yes, 24.
I only live 12 to 15 minutes away, so in my mind, that's a lot of people driving around without a clue.
The purpose of flipping on your headlights during these weather events is to let other drivers know you're there and make it easier for you to see where you're going.
Believe me, it's not the "man" trying to bring you down.
Visibility was not that great today, and it makes it even harder when somebody doesn't have their headlights on when the law requires them to.
So, here: I did the research for you.
The Department of Motor Vehicle's website states the following:
Rain, fog or snow make it harder to see through your windshield, and difficult for other drivers to see you. New York State law requires you to turn on your headlights when the weather conditions require the use of windshield wipers to clear rain, snow, sleet or fog. "Daytime lights" do not qualify as headlights. High headlight beams reflect rain, fog and snow as it falls. This makes it even harder for you to see. For better visibility during these weather conditions, keep your headlights on low beam. Reduce your speed. Signal your turns further ahead of time to give other drivers and roadway users more warning. Brake early when you decrease speed behind another vehicle or come to an intersection stop
Just to recap, "daytime lights" do not count. So, please do yourself and everybody else on the road a favor and turn your headlights on when the weather is crappy.
It may seem like a minor thing, but if it will keep the roads a little bit safer, than I think it's worth keeping in mind.