A public thank you to Marmitespreader

[Christerart]

Originally Posted by 854 1984cc 20v

I remember reading years ago, that it was made mandatory at the time when Sweden changed from driving on the left (UK-style) to driving on the right, and that having lights on would help remind motorists of the change i.e. prevent head-on collisions due to absentminded-ness.
Obviously road signs and markings could not be changed overnight.

It may be that you are actually correct, but I prefer my story!

LOL - yes, a nice story... I think what happened was that it was recommended drivers would use the low beams during the first couple of weeks.

The fact is:

https://www.flashback.org/t239628

"Volvo först ut med varseljus på 240:an när den kom 1975, sen fick även Saab 99 liknande varseljus 1977."

Translation:

"Volvo first with daytime running lights on the 240 when it came out in 1975, then Saab 99 also got similar lights in 1977."

=*^)

In regards to when Sweden changed from left hand traffic to right hand it was :

"Då körningen börjades efter övergången rekommenderades att man hade halvljuset tänt."

Freely translated:

"Drivers were advised/recommended to keep the low beam on when starting to drive after the changeover."

http://hem.bredband.net/b132258/hoge...g/HL_inneh.htm

http://www.automotorsport.se/artikla...ck-hogertrafik

The song played is :

"Keep to the Right, Svensson - or it'll end up with a real smash/crash" - played incessantly before the switchover..

There are a couple cool period videos - before and after, complete with an announcer who speaks in a way no Swede speaks today - think documentaries from the 40's here in the UK...


The comment below the videos says:

Jag tycker alla länder ska ha högertrafik – även Storbritannien!

(I think all countries should have right hand traffic - even the UK!"

For - 158 - against - 17

hmmmm....

[Bill_56]

I strongly agree with everything Christerart says.

my only qualification is...

Originally Posted by Christerart

whatever the extra cost of replacing bulbs more often .

... With P2 V70/S60, bulb replacement is no trivial matter, and all but impossible in a dark roadside layby. That being the case, the 'cost' is not a financial factor, rather it is a safety cost, given the temptation to drive home in the dark with one eye out, rather than have the car trailered to a main dealer simply to replace bulb.

With that (small) qualification, I class myself as a strong supporter of DRLs, especially nowadays as more an more new cars have them as factory-fit. Do Volvo drivers really want to become relatively invisible in daylight compared to Fiats, Fords and Nissans?

[Symes]

As Bill above a P2 is not going to be an easy change on a dark rainy night, but as the majority of us seem to have front fog lights fitted. I would suggest that these are switched on in such instances to illuminate the ns kerb - it would be a pretty hard copper to issue a ticket for this 'get you home / safe' use... but then I'm no lawyer :-)

Personally I think drls are a good thing, however the new fashion for over bright led versions needs to be addressed (Audi, Merc,Porsche - I'm talking to you... but you're not alone).

[Christerart]

Originally Posted by Bill_56

I strongly agree with everything Christerart says.

my only qualification is...


... With P2 V70/S60, bulb replacement is no trivial matter, and all but impossible in a dark roadside layby.

I didn't know this. I updated the headlights on my C70 to the clear ones and changing them and the bulbs was/is a doodle - took me 30 minutes swapping from another C70 and putting in new bulbs and I got nothing but thumbs when it comes to messing with cars.

[reggit]

Originally Posted by Bill_56

With that (small) qualification, I class myself as a strong supporter of DRLs, especially nowadays as more an more new cars have them as factory-fit. Do Volvo drivers really want to become relatively invisible in daylight compared to Fiats, Fords and Nissans?

This new dalliance with DRL's on new cars is blooming dangerous in my opinion!

Cars only seem to have front lights illuminated and not rears for some stupid reason. This appears to lul the driver into a false sense of security, and many don't bother reaching for the light switch in foggy/dark conditions.

That's my 2.5pence.

Needless to say the first thing I did when I got my S60 was turn the DRL's off.

My other bugbear is constantly illuminated instrument panels....

Maybe it's the biker in me, I don't like been dictated to by a blooming car!