Precision driving: Readers’ priceless pearls of wisdom

Every week, it’s confirmed that I am not the only one to notice questionable driving habits. This confirmation comes in the form of feedback from you, the readers. I appreciate these collective concerns, because they not only generate column content, but also tell me that many of you devote due thought to the driving process.

Parking Lights for Parking

R.H., of Spokane, has noticed many area drivers traveling on the roadways with only their parking lights illuminated. R.H. queries, “What’s with that?” He is a member of the Air Force, and since moving from his last station in Illinois, something he has encountered in Washington (besides higher insurance premiums) is a group of drivers driving around with just their parking lights on — even at night!

He goes further when he states, “This is illegal and for those people I think they should get two tickets: One for not having their headlights on when they are supposed to; and another for driving with their parking lights on. Parking lights are for parked cars!” And he then concludes, “One thing good about these parking light drivers is that it sends a clear message that you are sharing the road with a driver that is probably not very conscientious and probably has never read the Washington Driver Guide before. It’s like a beacon that says, Beware! Beware! Beware!” R.H. certainly knows how to make a point!

Head-on Scare

Over a year ago, J.H. recounted a harrowing encounter his friends had on a two-lane road one night. As they approached a pair of oncoming headlights, they attempted to maneuver past them on the right. That action put them in the ditch, though, because the vehicle pointed toward them was on the shoulder of their lane, checking mail. Luckily, J.H.’s friends lived through it, but not without doing some hospital time.

Last week, either the same offender, or one equally inconsiderate, pulled the same ill-advised stunt on Highway 2 as D.S. was heading home in darkness. D.S. saw headlights ahead on a straight portion of the highway, and said to himself, “He’s in my lane!”

After a nearly uncontrollable, panicky slowdown, D.S. was trying to make the quick decision of which way to go to avoid the impending head-on collision. Just then, he got close enough to the non-thinker to determine that the headlights were stationary at the right shoulder during another mail check. While momentarily relieved, D.S. then began to build understandable anger for the mail checker’s clueless act.

Please be aware of the potential consequences that your driving actions may inflict upon others, and if you are parked on the side of the road, especially the wrong side, use your parking lights.

Daytime Running Lights

Last month I relayed a reminder from reader L.O. to be sure that your rear lights are lit when driving in fog to be more easily seen by other drivers. His concern was that many drivers using DRLs may not realize that their only their headlights are illuminated.

I reminded drivers, “When running with DRLs, only the headlights are lit, and at a reduced brilliance.” That is good information for the bulk of vehicles with a DRL system, but evidently there is an exception. Reader R.B. wishes to explain and note that exception, and correct my statement.

R.B. states, “The correction may apply only to Subaru Outbacks, but since they appear to comprise half the cars in this cityit is worth noting.” R.B, I think that Outback registration in our city falls short of 50 percent, (likely under 5 percent) but your information is still pertinent, so here it is: “The Outback headlight wand has three notch positions. Top: Full intensity headlights, wraparound taillights are lit. Middle: Reduced brilliance DRLs. Wraparound taillights are still LIT. Bottom: DRLs only.

“The ‘default’ position for daytime driving in my 2002 Outback is the Middle.”

So, restated, with addendum: When running with DRLs, only the headlights are lit, and at a reduced brilliance, except with Subaru Outbacks, which, if run in the default position, have their wraparound taillights lit as well. The only Outback owners to whom my original statement applies are those with their switch in the bottom position.

The point is that when driving in fog, even though you may be able to see, make it easier for others to see you by having your rear lights lit whatever the factory programming of your light system may be.

Thanks to all of you for your readership and astute comments. It’s great to know that you are reading my column carefully, and thinking about your driving.