Dawn and Dusk driving with no tail lights

[sm1ke]

I was thinking to start a thread where we discuss good defensive driving habits. should i use the lounge?

Yep, Lounge would be best.

 

[hsdejong]

This is a Youtube movie about ALH on a Mazda CX-3 to show how it works.
I have this system on my last CX-3 and now on my current CX-5 and it is indeed superior to the High Beam Control (HBC) which switches highbeam on and off.

 

[Moonlighter]

Had adaptive LED headlights (ALH) on my previous 2016 CX5 Akera and now again on my 2024 Akera here in Australia. Its only available as a standard feature on the top of the range Akera model.

Surprised that it seems to be a fairly new thing on CX5 in the US….?

They have improved the implementation of this technology between the 2016 model and the 2024 model significantly, its much faster to react than that video shows. Basically instant response to all situations, whether cars are approaching you or ahead. And it is now less likely to react to street signs that are lit up brightly by the headlights.

The lights in effect “turn the corner” as you turn the steering wheel. As approaching vehicles pass by, the lights go back to high beam instantly. When a vehicle approaches the lights on that side dip, the other side stays up so vision on that side and the verge/footpath/curb is maintained.

 

[N7turbo]

mazda version of that capability with advanced illumination headlights. Audi has a more advanced version of real matrix headlights but thats out of scope.

You drive with full blast all lights (like on high beams) and the car switches off select leds to not blind incoming traffic but keeps other leds on at full blast.

In US we jusst get the flip between low and high and thats it. Rest of the world get the more advanced version.

Sadly, this video is 9 years old and showcases these lights on the 1st Gen CX-5.

We are on the refresh of Gen 2 and they are still not enabled in the U.S.

 

[cz5gt]

US finally allows use of modern matrix headlights

The NHTSA has formally approved the use of matrix/adaptive headlights for use in the U.S., clearing the way for more cars to use better headlights.

www.motorauthority.com

That petition was filed in 2013, showing how long the regulatory battle over adaptive headlights has dragged on.

 

[ADS-B]

Although some guys agreed with the importance of having the tail lights on, I am under the impression that the bulk of the conversation is about the front lights of the car! Yeah, yeah, tail lights on, sure! Absolutely! No question about that! Totally! Yeah!
Now... let me tell you about my new headlights...

 

[hsdejong]

I am under the impression that the bulk of the conversation is about the front lights of the car!

As soon as we started talking about headlights, someone got frustrated that taillights were no longer part of the discussion

Without headlights, the conversation would’ve ended much sooner!

 

[ADS-B]

No and no. No frustration and I don't care about the length of a conversation. I guess I was trying to politely/ nicely/jokingly say what I am saying right now: most of the drivers simply have no clue why tail lights are important and why they must be turned on.

 

[hsdejong]

I was just teasing

 

[Martyd]

On my 2023 I have my auto sesitivity on high. There are times when I wish the lights went on and I manually switch to on. If high means they go on sooner I am not happy with that setting. Not soon enough for me. Should I be on low?

 

[hsdejong]

High sensitivity = lights turn on sooner (i.e., more sensitive to low light).
Low sensitivity = lights turn on later (i.e., less sensitive to low light).

 

[GTXT23]

This is an appeal to all Mazda drivers out there: please, please, please, make an effort and switch the light indicator stalk from Auto to low beams at dawn, at dusk, in inclement weather and, of course, at night! Just got back home and I've seen, even tonight, quite a few Mazda CX-5s with tail lights turned off. By having the tail lights on, you are doing yourself and your family a favour, first of all, you help everybody on the road to be able to see you better. Help us to help you! Please, pretty please!

Its a good thing to be aware when driving -- The DRLs have always been an issue from my perspective as there are many ( me included ) who forget to turn on the lowbeams and running lights - or way back when..... ... referred to as" turning on your headlights ! "-- Its easy to continue rolling into darkness in many urban / suburban areas with streetlights--- but in rural I usually know quickly --no streetlights - Keeping it in AUTO on highest sensitivity to less light --is the best without installing another absurd warning light or audio --- We cant save ourselves from ourselves and technology sometimes just makes it worse - in this case -- its a toss up as DRLS definitely help keep your car on others radar in daytime - I barley see gray , black , and tan cars at sunset and often no DRLS - scary sometimes -- Im all about safety -- I choose White as my car color now-- as well - Stay aware - or put a post it note on the display ---change it frequently so it stands out - if this is a problem for you -