“Why is it apparently beyond the capability of car manufacturers to fit a warning light which comes onto to tell you when one of your lights (headlights, tail lights etc) has 'blown'? I had a tail light go once when I was driving along - how can you tell? No point in carrying spare bulbs (as required in some countries) if the first that you know about the need to use it is when the policeman waves you down.”

“Well, as a driver it is your responsibility to comply with the law. You must check that your lights are working before you set out on your journey.”

“Modern cars do tell you but it isn't difficult to check the lights yourself. Although it is the drivers responsibilty, who really cares anymore? An MOT friend of mine tells me almost every other car has a light not working. Why does no one care and why do the police not deal with it?”

“Drivers just jump in their cars and expect everything to work. How often do motorists check their tyre pressures and oil levels? As the winter draws in, how many clear their screens properly before driving off?”

“Jezer, you missed my point! I /do/ check the light etc before I start, the problem is when they fail during the journey.”

“Well, I passed my driving test in Bath in May 1965, and I have never had a light failed during a journey since. In my experience they always fail to come on after starting up, due I imagine to power surge. I have noticed this winter that many motorists are missing at least one headlight. Is this a result of skimping on essential servicing?”

“In addition to spare bulbs it is a requirement in many countries to carry warning triangles, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and in France, a self breathalyser kit and fluorescent vest. It also makes sense to carry spare windscreen wipers.

I doubt if anyone checks lights including brakelights, and tyres before every journey and as for oil level surely this is checked by most people as part of the weekly wash.

Pedestrians are more concerned about cars parking on and blocking pavements.

Good to see you back Bathman with your claimed cheery enjoying nature hat on.”

“Oh but I do enjoy life. I just don't enjoy people driving around in illegal cars putting mine, my beloved partner and all my friends lives at risk because they're too bone idle and lazy to just open their eyes and check their car.

Don't forget, it's a year on since 7 people lost their lives and many others hurt as they all drive at full pelt with poor visibility. Since then, many many people have blasted past me at full speed with their fog lights on but not bothering to slow down.”

“In the year ended June 2012 there were 199,740 reported casualties due to road accidents of whom 24,870 were seriously injured or killed. I could find no statistics of those injured as a result of the failure to check lights - do you have any indicating that this is a significant problem?”

“Well done. And of these 199740 crashes, did you find the route cause of every one of them to confirm that? Lets see, have you ever heard crashes occouring due to a vehicles wheels not being straight when parked? How about hitting a stationary car in the road in front of you? How about being hit from behind and being turned onto your roof?

I happen to specialise in all things road and I can assure you, these things happen on a daily basis as well as unlit cars and trucks travelling along. Do you?

Regardless of whether you think this is a significant problem or not, it is illegal, dangerous and potentially fatal. Still, if you feel that things like parking at Weston high street or solar powered bins are more important, then so be it.”

“I had a Honda Accord in the late 70s/early 80s and on the dash was a diagram of the
car on the dash which had parts that would light up if something,ie a back light,wasnt working.
Underneath the dash in a reachable position was a fuse box(with room for spare fuses)
and the first thing I would check was the fuse.If this didnt solve the problem I would reach into
the glovebox and grab a spare bulb.”

“Bath1946. In 2011 2 people were killed, 3 had serious injuries and 10 had slight injuries from vehicles with ineffective lights or indicators. 15 too many for a £3 bulb woudln't you agree.”