The Random Admet Question Thread

[Merc1107]

Why do so many drivers run around with their lights on in broad daylight?

It's often company (or occasionally Government) policy for buses to have their headlights on during the day; any suggestion that buses have perfectly serviceable DRLs exactly for this purpose falls upon deaf ears, or is met with resistance along the lines of, "the headlight switch should never be touched under ordinary circumstances"

Personally don't believe running lights is going to be that big of a stressor for the vehicle's electrical system, particularly as LEDs become increasingly common. Air-conditioning, and other ancillary components that are increasingly electrically-driven (like the power steering), would constitute far greater electrical loads than even traditional halogen headlights.

[Lt. Commander Data]

OK. So here is my random question. Why do so many drivers run around with their lights on in broad daylight? I understand that the O-Bahn had trees with regards to dying to have their lights on while traversing the track but outside that the area all the CB80's and K230's that have daytime running lights so don't need headlights on.
It used to be particularly bad for the just the hills buses but seems to have crept across the network. I just don't get it. Particularly on really hot days where the vehicles electrical system is going to be under the most stress I would have thought that the less equipment running would have been better....

"See and be seen". Vehicles with lights on are more visible than those without.

Source(s):
https://www.mynrma.com.au/cars-and-driv ... headlights
https://www.idrivesafely.com/defensive- ... explained
https://www.thecarcrashdetective.com/3- ... ng-lights/

You'll also note that trains always have a headlight on in the direction of travel, and now "ditch lights" which activate and flash after the 'whistle' has been used. Cyclists are also advised to have a front (and rear) flashing light at all times to increase their visibility on the road.

I guess drivers using headlights in buses fitted with DRLs are in the habit from driving older buses - or perhaps the DRLs are faulty. I've personally never seen any lights have a noticeable impact on the electrical system, as Merc1107 said, the aircon is usually the main impactor.

A much worse outcome are drivers (of a bus, car, truck, or whatever) who have the attitude of "I have DRLs so don't need my headlights". Even in the dead of night I've seen modern cars driving around with no headlights, and only DRLs - very dangerous indeed.

[The Phonj]

Personally, I turn my headlights on prior to performing my pre-departure check*, and typically won't touch the headlight switch until I switch the bus off next - be it back in depot, a long layover or at a Noise Sensitive Zone.

* In newer Scanias (Custom CB80 or Bustech) I'll use the check switch for my pre-departure check which self cancels when moving off track.

[X_STA/TA/Southlink]

"See and be seen". Vehicles with lights on are more visible than those without.

I dunno, if a driver/rider/pedestrian doesn't see a great big whopping bus coming in broad daylight heading for them then I think they have issue regardless of whether the lights are on or off

A much worse outcome are drivers (of a bus, car, truck, or whatever) who have the attitude of "I have DRLs so don't need my headlights". Even in the dead of night I've seen modern cars driving around with no headlights, and only DRLs - very dangerous indeed.

Yeah, I think the biggest problem there is that some of the DRL's on cars are decently bright and with the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree independent of the headlights being on or off then they just have no idea.

It's often company (or occasionally Government) policy for buses to have their headlights on during the day; any suggestion that buses have perfectly serviceable DRLs exactly for this purpose falls upon deaf ears, or is met with resistance along the lines of, "the headlight switch should never be touched under ordinary circumstances"

See now that would annoy me.

Personally don't believe running lights is going to be that big of a stressor for the vehicle's electrical system, particularly as LEDs become increasingly common. Air-conditioning, and other ancillary components that are increasingly electrically-driven (like the power steering), would constitute far greater electrical loads than even traditional halogen headlights.

Yeah, that may have been a stretch on my behalf. I guess that i just don't see the point of having the lights burning on bright daylight days on metropolitan roads. I totally get doing it (although I think that it is unnecessary if you have DRL's) when travelling on country roads and/or when weather conditions are less than optimal.

All good - just my $0.02 worth

[Lieselta]

I dunno, if a driver/rider/pedestrian doesn't see a great big whopping bus coming in broad daylight heading for them then I think they have issue regardless of whether the lights are on or off

Maybe, but there's plenty of people who are vulnerable and genuinely won't see what we do. It's the responsibility of road users with greater ability to make harm (vehicle drivers) to minimise the risk and take care of them.

[Eagle Eye]

"See and be seen". Vehicles with lights on are more visible than those without.

I dunno, if a driver/rider/pedestrian doesn't see a great big whopping bus coming in broad daylight heading for them then I think they have issue regardless of whether the lights are on or off

By that logic, trains & trams which are even bigger than buses shouldn't need headlights on during daylight either.

They are switched on for safety (visibility reasons). Not compulsory on buses during good visibility of course, but many drivers will choose to leave them on for the extra safety/visibility they provide. O-Bahn drivers are more likely to leave them on to avoid having to repeatedly switch headlights on/off when using the Busway or the city tunnel.

[TT]

TT wrote: ↑
It would’ve been 1734 bus, a retired MAN midi, that is used to check overhead clearances for the two (normally, currently 1) double deckers. I think it’s now stored at Aldgate: used to be at Mile End.
Yes, have seen it around Aldgate/Stirling a few times

Just dragging up a post from about 3 years ago, does this Midi still exist and do clearance checks in the hills for the 2 double deckers? Taking most of the seats out so it’s no longer a bus should get it around the 25 year retirement rule. If it has been retired has anything replaced it to do the clearance checks?

[The Phonj]

1734 has been preserved and has had the double decker testing bar removed. I would suspect that the two double deck buses in the hills would do all the clearance checks they require by themselves; I doubt there any plans to add new routes to their current repertoire.