Thursday, October 1, 2026
Hello JOLT. Thanks for being here.
My issue is that I see many cars around dusk (as well as during our recent fog events and common winter conditions) that don't drive with their headlights on. My (generous) guess is that those motorists who only have their "parking lights" on don't realize their headlights aren't also turned on, if their dashboard lights are on.
However, folks who drive during late afternoon/early evening without any vehicle lights seem to think that, because they can see other cars, other cars can see them, which is wishful thinking, at best. I notice this most often while driving on Capitol Boulevard from Olympia to Tumwater.
Perhaps some people believe they're saving money by reducing wear and tear on their headlights, but I'm confident a collision would be vastly more expensive. I always drive with my headlights on, and it's been at least eight to 10 years since I've had to replace one on my minivan. The cost is pennies per day, at the most.
I'm sure I'm not the only driver who's been startled by the sudden appearance of a vehicle without headlights ahead of, behind, along side, or coming toward me in dim, rainy weather.
This is not a call for law enforcement to step in and punish scofflaws since, realistically, the odds of anyone being ticketed for driving around town without headlights are slim to none.
But this is not about punishing drivers; it’s about us doing one easy thing that helps drivers, passengers, bikers and walkers make it through the day without the need for insurance companies, the legal system (see pertinent links below) or medical services.
Thanks for your help with that. As for our overly bright, weapons-grade, modern headlights, I know Washington Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has raised this obvious safety issue, but I’d love to hear what others in our congressional delegation have to say.
Much obliged,
~ Michael Carrol, Tumwater
Related links:
When lighted lamps and signaling devices are required: RCW 46.37.020
Washington State Drivers Guide: Driver guides | Washington State Department of Licensing
Washington State Patrol: Rules of the Road - Washington State Patrol
The opinions expressed above are those of the writers and not necessarily those of The JOLT's staff or board of directors. Got something to say about a topic of interest to Thurston County residents? Send it to us and we’ll most likely publish it. Click here to email to us.
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HappyOlympian
Oregon has worst drivers in the world, Thurston County gets second place.
Saturday, March 21 Report this
KEW100
@HappyOlympian... Bless your heart! The worst and most helpless (hapless?) drivers are Southerners when it is snows, or worse, when there is ice.
Saturday, March 21 Report this
Snevets
YES! Especially on the 5!!!
Saturday, March 21 Report this
ddttwo2
You may also want to check your rear running lights and Brake lights too. I see many cars on College street with headlights on but no rear lights...
Saturday, March 21 Report this
DonnaS
I totally agree with you. It would be so much safer for all if drivers turned on their lights whenever they turn on their windshield wipers, and when conditions become darker at dusk and dawn. It is a simple thing that will make everyone safer on the roads.
Sunday, March 22 Report this
franiazgorski
If you think drivers in Thurston County are bad, don't go to Poland. it's a suicide mission.
Wednesday, March 25 Report this