It’s been raining a lot around here lately, which means a lot of driving around with windshield wipers. A while back I replaced my broken wiper blades with new ones by Rain-X, followed quickly by replacing my blue windshield washer fluid with bright orange product also from Rain-X. The combination of the two has created a throughly risible aqueous driving experience and a crystal clear windshield exterior. Only a functioning defroster could complete the happy picture.
But wait! The picture has already been marred, because a significant portion of Maryland drivers seem to think that activating their headlights in wet weather is optional—merely a courtesy, much like saying “watch your step” to a pedestrian about to encounter a particularly difficult patch of sidewalk. In reality, this is a behavior that should be reflexive. When visibility is poor and the sun has taken refuge behind dark, imposing clouds, wouldn’t a little illumination supplement—nay, improve—the entire affair? Apparently, headlights have gone the way of turn signals, becoming a practice that is employed for fun rather than necessity. The explanations are weak at best—perhaps my fellow motorists enjoy driving “on the edge?”
One response to “Deadlights”
There’s a law in New Jersey that says if your windshield wipers are on your lights have to be on. It’s been that way now since the mid 90s. We STILL have people that don’t do it, and I agree it’s incredibly frustrating.