Mainers Often Disregard this Important Winter Driving Law

Why do we even have to have this conversation?

Everywhere I go in my car, it's automatic instinct to turn on my headlights. I remember riding around with my grandfather when I was a kid, and he'd always point out the Canadian cars, because they always had their headlights on. I'm pretty sure up there it was the law, even back in the 80's. Maybe even before.

So it's been drilled into my head that full-time use of your headlights, equals safety. It really does make you more visible. And I don't mean in that giant pickup truck with a 9-foot LED bar across the front, kind-of-way. That's a whole separate issue... I just mean that in bad weather, your headlights will make you infinitely more visible.

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Not mention, it's the law.

I've lost count lately, in all the various forms of bad weather we've had, how many cars are just cruising around with no headlights on. Yes, it's daytime we're talking about. But in crap weather, a grey car disappears in the rain. A white car will completely vaporize in a snow storm. But not if they have their lights on.

And yes, it's the law. It's clearly laid out at the state's website that in pretty much all forms of bad weather, you gotta throw up the lights. Additionally, the law says that if you're operating your wipers for any reason, your lights have to be on. In most cases when it's snowing... your wipers are on.

It's not just what you can do, it's about what others can't.

Often, the argument from the driver is that they can see fine, so what's the problem? the problem is, not everyone can see you. This is a case of making others safe, not just you. Besides, it's not like it's costing you gas money or anything. I suppose maybe you'll change a handful more lightbulbs, but safety is key here.

I'm not telling anyone how to drive their car, despite what you may be thinking. I just don't want to hit anybody with my car, regardless of who's fault it is. What you do when the sun is shining and the wind is in your hair, but for the love of Pete, please just turn your lights on when it's snowing.

If you bought this house, you could drive all over the whole property with no lights on at all, if you want...