Headlight habits

In response to the letter on drivers not using their headlights in the mornings, I believe we can interpret a lot from people’s use of lights. At least one in 10 drivers I see at night have something wrong with their headlights.

Firstly there are the incompetent, who drive around with one headlight bulb out. When drivers flash them with high beam they just think they are popular. Next are the side or park light abusers, who think these lights are useful when driving. In reality park lights are feeble, barely visible lights and should be used only when parked.

Lastly, is the “more lights the better” brigade. These folk turn on every light they can, typically using fog lights as a status symbol at all times of the day and night. The road rules clearly state that fog lights should only be used in fog or snow as they dazzle people, especially those behind you who have to stare at your sunlike rear fog light. I have even seen people driving at night using a park light-fog light combination, but no headlights. What hope do we have for actual driving skills if we can’t get this right.

William Hicks, Remuera.