Pro's and con's of daytime running lights (DRL's)

Daytime Running Lights; a popular subject. The pro'sparking lights. They figure as long as they can see,
and cons of daytime running lights (DRL's)have beenturning on lights is not neccessary.WRONG. I quote
discussed many times. Do a search on Google andmyself: "its not about seeing, but being seen!"
over 300000 links turn up. In Canada they have beenSome people say the glare of the headlights will make
mandatory since 1989. Many European countries havethem turn the other way. I find this hard to believe
had legislation in place as far back as 1977. Till todaysince 90% of drivers stare straight ahead while driving
the US of A has no laws in place that make DRL'sand do not perform the "left-center-right-center-" look
mandatory, although all American car manufacturersaround. In my years of driving I have never had a DLR
utilize the module.bother me during daytime driving. Highbeams yes.
In my humble opinion DRL's were installed to make aIt is true that DRL's make cars who do not have them
motorist more visable during daytime hours. Any offless visable, when driving behind each other. The
you must have had the experience once when tryingopponents of DRL's are using this as one of the
to pass somebody you are starting to pull out and atnegative factors and want them banned. Then
the same time notice a car coming in the distance. Thewouldn't it make more sense to have ALL cars
car did not have any lights. If it had you would not evenoutfitted with DRL's? Offcourse there is still the few
have tried to pass. One point for DRL's.people that will disconnect them.
The truth is, its not about seeing, but being seen! HowAs you see there is lots of arguments for either side.
many times have you driven in bad weather conditions,There is even an Association against DRL's. On their
I am thinking heavy rain, snow, fog etc, and all of awebsite they mention something about "ambient
sudden there is a vehicle popping up out of nowhere. Itlighting" and why it does not make sense for the
scares the living daylights out of you. If this personAmerican continent to have DRL's. I fail to see what
would have had his lights on, you wouldn't have hadthe amount of ambient lighting (daytime light in a day)
this 'almost heart attack', right? Two points for DRL's.has to do with the issue.
Now on the other side of the discussion, the problemTo finish I would like to ask this qustion: Why do 99%
with DRL's is that people forget to turn on their lightof police cars do not have their lights on in bad
switch when it gets dark or when weather conditionsweather conditions?
deteriorate and as such they are driving withoutI for one, having DRL's and the "automatic on feature
taillights. This is more a driver education issue then awhen dark" do turn on my headlights every time I get
DRL issue. DRL's or no DRL's, people do not turn oninto my car because I want to be seen.
their headlights when needed, or they turn on the