Roland Schwietz, Calgary Alberta (December 11, 2007)
I?d like to report (actually complain) about a serious mistake made by Toyota and Honda on some of their newer vehicles (I believe some other manufacturers are also at fault for this). It is in regard to the vehicles? dashboard instrument panels. On many newer models the instrument cluster is illuminated anytime the engine is running. This causes the drivers to mistakenly believe that their exterior headlights and taillights are also on, when in fact they are NOT! This causes tremendously dangerous situations for other drivers, particularly when approaching these ?unlit? vehicles from behind. This becomes even worse when the road is wet and spray from the tires makes the vehicle virtually impossible to see.
During my commute home this evening, I encountered at least 3 vehicles (Toyota Avalon, Toyota Rav4 and Honda Civic) which were driving at night without their lights on. However, as I pulled up beside these vehicles, I could see that the instrument clusters were all lit up. I?m sure the drivers had no idea their lights weren?t on. Obviously the engineers who designed this were not thinking about safety!
I feel this is a tremendous safety issue on Canada?s roads and these manufacturers should be responsible for correcting the problem!
(Note: In Canada, this issue is mitigated from the front due to daytime running lights, but the rear of these vehicles remain unlit)
Zack's Response: I just started to notice the cars that do this and you are right, I have noticed a lot of Honda cars with this problem. I love the automatic setting on my headlight, I never have to think about it
Motor Mouth - Car Reviews, Radio Show, Zack Spencer, Car Review Video, Zack Spencer, car review car review videos, car review articles,
Article, Host, Test Driving Motor Mouth is a perfect description for Zack Spencer. He loves to talk about cars on TV and on the radio. As host of Driving Television Zack gets a chance to produce great quality car reviews that have been seen on the Global Television Network for the past five seasons. Zack also host a weekly national radio show called Driving which is heard on Canada's top talk radio stations. Not only does Zack host Driving Television he is also the writer. He puts his writing skills to work each week with his column 'Two Boys one Toy' seen each week in Canada's leading daily newspapers. Zack is also the on-camera host of ICBC's current television campaign. Motor Mouth is where all of Zack Spencer's work is found on one easy to use web page. Enjoy! car reviews, radio show, host, driving television, corus, driving.ca, information, video, article, new automobile, vehicle, SUV, crossover, sedan, used, safety, quality, truck, van, manufacturers, automotive, engine, hybrid, horsepower, fast, styling design, test drive, test driving, vehicle review
I?d like to report (actually complain) about a serious mistake made by Toyota and Honda on some of their newer vehicles (I believe some other manufacturers are also at fault for this). It is in regard to the vehicles? dashboard instrument panels. On many newer models the instrument cluster is illuminated anytime the engine is running. This causes the drivers to mistakenly believe that their exterior headlights and taillights are also on, when in fact they are NOT! This causes tremendously dangerous situations for other drivers, particularly when approaching these ?unlit? vehicles from behind. This becomes even worse when the road is wet and spray from the tires makes the vehicle virtually impossible to see.
During my commute home this evening, I encountered at least 3 vehicles (Toyota Avalon, Toyota Rav4 and Honda Civic) which were driving at night without their lights on. However, as I pulled up beside these vehicles, I could see that the instrument clusters were all lit up. I?m sure the drivers had no idea their lights weren?t on. Obviously the engineers who designed this were not thinking about safety!
I feel this is a tremendous safety issue on Canada?s roads and these manufacturers should be responsible for correcting the problem!
(Note: In Canada, this issue is mitigated from the front due to daytime running lights, but the rear of these vehicles remain unlit)
watch now
listen now
