Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I have been waiting to write to Gripe Vine for a long time with my gripe, but kept holding my complaint off, hoping someone else would express their feelings on this issue. My issue is why motorists do not put their headlights on during the daylight hours when driving on the roads in this state?
No doubt, many of your readers have encountered, as I do, motorists who do not use their headlights in the daytime. Sometimes it’s foggy outside, or not too clear in the early mornings, or just before it rains. Don’t they realize that when their headlights are on, their taillights go on as well, protecting the car behind them if a quick stop is necessary?
I am under the impression that it’s the law to run your headlights during the day. Can you tell me what the story is on this law?
LO
Dear LO
I did some research and came up with some very interesting information.
First, the Connecticut Law requires a motor vehicle to display its headlights and other required lighting devices from one half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise and at any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, people or vehicles are not clearly discernable at a distance of at any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, people or vehicles are not clearly discernable at a distance of 500 feet or during any period of precipitation such as rain, snow, or fog.
LO while I was researching your inquiry, I discovered a few interesting laws we all should be aware of as well.
If you find yourself driving with only one headlight, you can be pulled over for one headlight being out as it amounts to the vehicle being defective and unsafe- assuming that it is after dark.
Is it legal to drive with your interior lights on? Yes, it is illegal.
Gripe Vine Readers:
Just to keep you updated, I have sent out six outstanding complaints to a representative in the mayor’s office 11 days ago and have not received a response yet. A second request for reader’s complaints was sent out today. Please watch Gripe Vine for results of your inquiries.
Coming up…Obstructed view from tree on Laurel and Soundview…left turn signal at Elm and Campbell not working…uniformed garbage and recycling cans request for West Haven…cracked sidewalk on Elm Street…speeding continuing on Benham Hill and Hubbard…and much more.
Send your gripes, questions and comments to gripevine4wh@aol.com or mail them to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 666 Savin Ave.