Bit OTT. What big_D is saying is that in a sea of headlights, how do you then spot the motorcyclist? If everyone turns on their headlights, it's like nobody having them on. Your brain won't register another headlight when it is already flooded with so many that it just turns things down.

At the moment, it's quite easy to spot a headlight during the day because it's unusual. It's different. It stands out. Hence your brain can register it.

It might be a bitt OTT but the ban does not have to be for life. It would also get rid of a lot of bad drivers who simply do not pay attention. The problem is that there simply re not enough police cars on the road to detect such bad driving. I was out today with a friend, and we saw at least a couple of people while on the phone. No chance of getting caught so they still use phones while driving.

Basically we have been talking about cars using side lights in the day just to improve their visibility to other road users. This I totally support what does drive me round the bend is bikers with thier headlights on full beam dazzling everybody and limiting drivers visibility of other road users.

Pull up to a junction, see a light, vehicle approaching, give way. What matter if that vehicle has two lights instead of one?

Exactly my point.

+1

Yes officer, my faulty alternator does indeed emit 200 watts of noise at 1.8GHz.

No they didn't spot that at the MOT.

To the same end though, pull up to a junction see a car/motorbike, give way. And yet that doesn't happen now...I'm sure lights can make vehicles more visible, but they are fairly visible as it is now. Great hunks of metal tearing down a road...
Lights may work for a while, but as that becomes 'the norm' I wouldn't be surprised if it's benefits are reduced somewhat...

I think the real answer to the problem is that we really have to rethink the whole transport idea, every day people aren't responsible enough to pay attention all of the time. I don't know what the solution is, but keeping your lights on isn't really it.

Mandatory re-testing every 10 years?

I'd hate it, I'd grumble, but I think it'd work...

If you are a motorist and you fail to see a motor bike with headlights on, then unless your eyes are wired up to the car alternator you did not pay attention and should be banned. If you fail to see a car with lights on coming towards you, then you are an idiot. No getting around that fact.

I have thought this for years. Too many people develop bad habits once they pass. You do not need to make the test tougher just repeat it.

The problem is, a lot of drivers see one light as a car in the distance, pull out and are shocked that they just killed a motorcyclist!

Sorry I don't understand. See 1 or more lights wait simple surly ( 1 light can be a motor cycle or a 10 tonner with a light out ! )

That was my point. If you see a light then no matter whether it is one light or two you need to double check that the road is clear. It is driving without due care and attention at the least and dangerous driving at the most severe. Either way you could kill a motorcyclist or yourself if it is a ten tonner with a faulty light.