Log In


Reset Password
Columnists View from the Center Bear Smart The Travel Troubleshooter Dear Abby Student Aide Of Sound Mind Others Say Powerful solutions You are What You Eat Out Standing in the Fields What's up in Durango Skies Watch Yore Topknot Local First RE-4 Education Update MECC Cares for kids

Dim-bulb drivers having headlights problems

Headlights on can take away from gas mileage? The answer is yes. But by a such a tiny amount it would not make sense to shut them off even during daylight hours given the safety benefits of using daytime running lights, according to a California Energy Commission study made about a decade ago.

Why can’t motorists manage to turn on their headlights? It happens every evening, all the time. These stupid drivers must be “greenies” who think that not having headlights on saves on gas. That’s the only possible explanation I see. – Chuck Norton

It’s more likely that headlight-free driving has more to do with cluelessness than conservation.

However, that brings up an interesting question: Can driving without headlights improve one’s gas mileage?

The answer is yes. But is that desirable? Clearly no.

That was the conclusion of a California Energy Commission study on daytime running lights, or DRLs.

The study, done a decade ago, made an (ahem) “exhaustive” review of U.S., Dutch, Swedish and Swiss research on headlight usage and fuel consumption.

Apparently, daytime running lights are a First World Problem.

The conclusion: “Petroleum savings from limiting the use of DRLs would not exceed 1 percent and would defeat the more important societal safety function they provide.”

And this determination was made long before the advent of super efficient LED headlights.

So let’s put this in perspective. General Motors calculated that drivers who turn off their headlights during the day will save about $3 more per year on gas. Big deal.

Meanwhile, a bunch of studies show DRLs saved lives and decreased accidents, particularly those involving left-hand turns, a maneuver that Durango drivers have yet to master.

Just ask Mrs. Action Line. Once again, an inattentive moron at a four-way stop nearly creamed her.

Just for the record, Mrs. Action Line’s car has its DRLs. Chalk one up for Team Safety.

So let’s keep headlights on day or night.

But sadly, illumination doesn’t make drivers more observant.

As they say, “the lights are on, but no one’s home.”

Now that we are in the depths of winter, and I’m driving home from work in the dark, I can’t help but notice so many people driving with their bright lights on. Back in the day it was considered rude to follow or approach a vehicle without dimming your lights. Has this changed? Or are drivers too focused on their phones to notice the oncoming traffic? Sign me, “Blinded by the Light”

So let’s get this straight. Many local drivers don’t have their lights on, and the ones who do have them on are texting so they don’t notice the high-beam. Sheesh.

That leaves us with only one logical conclusion: Durango is now part of New Mexico, “the Land of Enchantment.”

In case you didn’t know, “enchantment” is an obscure Spanish phrase meaning “horrible drivers.”

Anyway, Action Line checked in with the nice folks at the Durango Police Department for highlights on headlight dimming. Here’s the scoop:

According to state law, drivers need to turn off high-beams 500 feet before an approaching vehicle. If you are overtaking a vehicle, you need to cut your brights within 200 feet.

So it’s not a matter of etiquette. Failure to dim gets you a ticket and two points.

But here’s another interesting thing. Did you know flashing is illegal?

By the way, we’re talking about flashing with headlights, not with trench coats or blouses.

When you flash drivers who forgot to turn off their brights, it’s technically a violation – because you also have your high-beams on within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

But don’t worry about that. The police would rather have you remind the driver to dim his lights than write you up for flashing.

Consider that your news flash for Monday.

Email questions to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301. You can request anonymity if all this is merely a flash in the pan.



Reader Comments