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LETTER: Daylight running lights not enough light at night

Concerns over a ‘critical automotive safety issue’

I’m sending you this letter to voice my concern over what I consider to be a critical automotive safety issue and tremendous annoyance to me due to the frequency that I see this problem lately.

The issue is that many newer cars with daytime running lights also have an illuminated instrument cluster that is always on even in daytime. This prompts some drivers to believe that they don’t need to physically turn on their headlights.

The problem and safety issue this creates is that in the dark, with no outside illumination except for the headlights, your car is invisible. No tail lights, side marker lights, licence plate lights, etc., unless you turn on your headlights.

In addition to not being seen, your headlight illumination with only daytime running lights is only at 70 per cent to lengthen bulb life so how do you see properly?

On Thursday night on my way back from Abbotsford, I ended up following a silver-grey Ford. I first encountered them on Sumas Way and followed them all the way over the bridge, up Murray Street to Seventh Avenue and finally went my own way when they turned left onto Seventh Avenue.

At times I travelled beside this offending car and my suspicion was confirmed when I saw their nicely illuminated instrument panel and pulling ahead saw their nice yellow-orange headlights at 70 per cent illumination. That confirmed to me that it wasn’t a blown fuse or electrical problem; it was only a problem driver.

I was tempted to follow them home and give them a piece of my mind but thought a letter to the editor would reach more people and alert them to this danger than me following one person and giving them a piece of my mind.

Thanks for bringing this matter to the attention of your readers.

Frank Pecenka

Mission