Why do so many Tacoma owners drive with their lights on during the day?

Serious question here. I’ve searched and can’t find the answer. Driving around it seems like at least 25% of Tacoma owners drive around during the day with their lights on. Not the DRLs, but the actual tail lights and headlights are on.

Why is this? In my eyes it just makes the radio harder to see, and doesn’t really make you more visible to others than the DRL already does, and to the rear the tail lights are barely visible anyways so it’s not like those are helping visibility much either. I’m just curious because I really only see it on Tacomas and I noticed that before I ever owned one. I also see Tacomas with their DRLs turned off either but that’s a different topic and one I’m not quite as interested in.

What am I missing here? Is this just a fad I haven’t heard about yet? Not judging or hating, just genuinely curious. I don’t get the purpose behind it.

 

Some states require headlights to be on when driving on certain highways, at least there's a few like that here in Maryland.

Could also be the auto light sensor not getting enough light if it's cloudy out.

Edit:
Also forgot to mention that some states also have "wipers on = headlights on" laws.

 

Hmm I suppose, what made me ask today (after seeing it many times) was being out in direct sunlight, in TX which definitely requires no lights unless poor conditions call for it. So I feel like he turned them on for a specific reason. Just curious because I see this all the time on other similar dry, bright days.

 

NYS requires headlights when windshield wipers are in use.

 

Oh, there was talk on here somewhere that if you don't have the premium package with auto headlights, you can leave the headlights on all the time and they will auto shut off after the truck is off for a few seconds. That way the headlights are on all the time regardless of needing them, since they can't be bothered to turn the switch now and again.

Could be someone doing that too.

 

Ahhh that could very well explain it. Didn’t think about that. I would think the dim radio part would get annoying but maybe they prefer that over flipping the lights on and off.

 

same reason people don't use their blinkers

 

I wonder if the DRL is legal for the headlights on, on certain highways? DRLs provide enough forward visibility for oncoming traffic to see you, and in cerain instance during the day in full sun may provide greater visibility.



Wipers on head lights on, does not sound as complicated. Since you want your tailights to be illuminated for visibility.

Hower if the parking lights and DRLs, are both activated, or parking lights and fog lights are both activated. That could provide enough illumination to be seen by other motorists.

 

I leave mine on just so I don’t have to worry about them ever being on. No harm in having them on during the day. They turn off when I turn the truck off and they turn on when I turn the truck on

 

I’m thinking this and what mrengineerical said is the answer to why I see it so much.

 

In simpler terms, it's just a case of being lazy and not having to think. Seems to becoming a common thing, and not just for Taco owners.

 

You can turn off the radio dimmer in settings.

 

I leave mine on. No issues with the radio. It's just extra visibility. Never have to worry if the auto lights are turning on the rears. Like during a shower on a sunny day or blowing snow.

In Canada new vehicles going forward are coming with DRLs front and rear.

 

25% of Tacoma drivers? Whats the ratio for the rest of the vehicle on the road?

 

You're over thinking it man. But like it was said, I think it's people just being lazy. They turn on the lights and leave them on so they don't have to be inconvenienced with manually turning them on and off all the time.

You're in Plano, you should worry about why ass-hats in that area don't use their FUCKING BLINKERS when changing lanes or turning. That was my biggest pet peeve when I lived in Far North Dallas/Plano.

 

I drive with my lights on so STUPID drivers can see me.
It’s also State Law here to have them on when it’s raining

 

Mine is always off, especially at night. I don't want people to know my next move.

 

Or why everyone drives 120mph on the tollway…

 

I have ridden a motorcycle for 55 years now, one thing I have come to understand is anything, I mean anything that makes you more noticeable is a good thing. I am not above weaving in my lane to make myself more conspicuous in some cases. That little revelation came to me when I nearly T boned a woman in an Impala while clipping along at 65 mph on a CB750. I knew her, I would have sworn we made eye contact and I got a sign of recognition, she still pulled out directly in front of me. I saw her later and she apologized and said she never saw me. My last Tacoma had DRL, this one does not, I turn them on and leave them on. I dont give a shit if it seems silly or not.

There way to many distracted drivers, and yes I live in the Texas sun as well.

 

Yes, but then it’s really bright at night.