N8N wrote:
> Comboverfish wrote:
> > N8N wrote:
> > > Steve wrote:
> >
> > > Because they use the high beams and therefore are rude and glaring to
> > > other motorists, defeating the idea of a "safety" feature. It's nice
> > > to let other traffic know I'm there; it's not so nice to blind them.
> >
> >
> > I hear that complaint very infrequently, and I don't really get it.
> > High beams in series (DRLs) are a much lower intensity of focused light
> > than when run normally at full B+. The biggest reason HB DRLs are not
> > a problem is the fact that they are used in DAYLIGHT; there is
> > significant sunlight outside as to keep onlookers' eyes adjusted for
> > bright light conditions. Ive seen plenty of cars going down the street
> > over the years with their highbeams on (for whatever reason) and never
> > thought it was annoying -- let alone DRLs.
>
> I'm one of the people that *does* complain about it. Now the Impalas,
> I don't notice them that much, but being somewhat glare sensitive, I
> can tell you that Saturns are teh suXX0rs especially in twilight
> without the headlights on. But even on an overcast day they can be
> distracting.
>
> >
> > Our resident lighting expert Dan likes small dedicated amber DRLs
> > better than headlights for a variety of reasons, but my gut feeling is
> > I like the headlight systems better - just from a driver standpoint. I
> > think they are more noticeable and hopefully more safe as a result. I
> > have no facts to back that up, however.
>
> They're brighter than they need to be for their intended purpose, for
> one thing... if nothing else it's wasteful.
>
> nate

Follow-up: I picked up my new car last night. The '05 uses the LOW
beams for the DRL's! Life is good. Maybe GM is getting a clue? Also
was able to defeat the headlight delay through the radio, once I got my
hands on the owner's manual.

nate