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Re: The fallacy of DRLs



Isaac Wong (protmp1@bnr.ca) wrote:
: bypass your A/C, stereo, power steering, power brakes, power locks, etc. If
: you can, deactivate your ABS also. Don't use your power controlled mirrors,
: and don't use any heat during winter, wear adequate clothing. This will
: probably save some more gas.

This one is too easy :-) but I will take it!

You prove my point exactly!  How would you like it if the government 
announced tomorrow that your AC will come on REGARDLESS of wether you 
want it or not everytime you get in the car?  Also: EVERY SYSTEM YOU 
HAVE LISTED IS OPTIONAL (with the exception of the heater)!  You may soon 
not have choice with your DR headlights! Your argument makes no sense/point 
here!  To rephrase this, one can buy a car without AC, PS, PB,PL,etc... 
but in a couple of years you probably wont have a choice on DRLs.

Regarding energy concerns. This one is a two tier argument: 1st) DRLs are 
not exactly like Airbags and Seatbelts- DRLs are very active in operation 
and have questionable benefit in most possible driving conditions 2nd) 
You can shut your AC off, the PS (if you CHOOSE to get it) has variable 
assist and shuts off at cruising speeds, PB use residual vacuum pressure 
generated by the engine during it's normal operation, power mirrors (if 
you CHOOSE to get it) are an intermittant passive system which do not 
need any energy as long as you dont use them and use VERY little if you 
do, and the heating system utilizes excess heat generated by the engine 
during it's normal operation that would have been vented off at normal 
operating temperature.

I am not an expert in safety aspects of DRLs but I simply feel that 
living/working/going to school in the Washington DC/Metro area I will 
probably never be caught next to a shady mountain a rural area, and if I 
do I will use my head and turn my headlights on (just as I do during dark 
hours of dusk/or when it is raining)- no need for spoon fed regulations for 
me.  A little driver education in this area can do alot more than alot of 
government regulation.  You have DRL's right now: its called a headlight 
switch- and its up to your discretion to use them.





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