Not Just the Law, but Also...

...The Rules.

It's unfortunate that idiot drivers in the State of California don't read this blog, but I'm hopeful that you careful drivers (and non-drivers) will pass along this information.

Right then, it's rainy and dark. Although it's 8:30 am, it's difficult to see 100 feet ahead of you. You get onto the freeway and:
a. Punch it. You're safe in a big ol' SUV with 4-wheel drive. Let those little Priuses and Elantras worry about the weather.
b. Slow down. You drive a slow, reasonable speed for the weather. And you do it in whatever lane you're in, no matter how many cars are behind you.
c. Do your regular thing. You always keep a safe following distance anyway, so you simply adjust a bit for the weather.
d. Turn on your headlights.

Well, on my way in to work today, the answer was, appearently: all of the above.

The Law, however, says the answer is b & d. Yes, B and D. If it's raining, you are required by California Law to turn on your headlights. "Why? It doesn't help me see." asks you. "Because it helps other people see you, ya twit," replies I.

The Rules say the answer is C and D. You should be driving safely no matter what the weather is like. The only things you should need to change about your driving habits are turning on your headlights and leaving a bigger gap in front of you.

Oh, and I need to remind some of you: because you're in a big ol' SUV means you need to DRIVE SLOWER and leave LARGER gaps in front of you. That tank that you call a Suburban, or Ekkalayd, or Exploder, or Aych-Too, or whatever requires a longer stopping distance. Wet roads increase the chance of you losing traction and slamming into other cars.

...unless, of course, you're me. I've been driving my Sport Mode & DSC-enabled, full-time 4-wheel drive, traction assisted, Silverstar headlamp & driving light equipped, Land Rover Discovery Series 2 for three years now. It has new Toyo Rain & Snow tires and brand new wiper blades. I've tested it on road and off. I've had it at speeds well over the maximum posted limit in pouring rain.

I know what I'm doing.

You don't.

So calm down and turn on your headlights. It's just some rain.