headlights on or off at truck stops?

I would turn them off if possible. One truck I had, had daytime running lights, so couldn't turn them off, but they were lower power than the low beams. A little courtesy, realized or not, doesn't cost much. I always liked a guy to turn the lights off for me when I was backing in the dark, sure does reduce glare.

 

On till I park

 

Looking at headlights bothers many drivers, period. Whether you are passing someone and getting flashed over or parking.

Have you ever looked in a dirty mirror with headlights shining in it? You can't see crap. I know, spend the time blocking everyone in the parking lot while you clean your mirrors. Better yet, it's easier for the other person show a little courtesy and turn the headlights off.

There is a big difference between DRL's which focus downward than headlights lighting up your mirrors. Anyone can see your 65' rig in a lit parking lot with your parking lights on.

Some of you make decisions based on your perfect eyesight. Not everyone reacts the same to headlights. I don't know about you, but after driving all night, headlights burn my eyes. Tired and backing, I don't need extra handicaps. Truckstops are our resting place. Show a little respect to your fellow driver. It won't hurt you.

 

My rule is a simple one: if my vehicle is in motion, my headlights are on, no exceptions. Not my fog lights, not my hi-beams, just low beams.

Customer locations in particular can be dangerous as hell. You have pedestrians popping out from every direction, trucks pulling in and out of parking and doors, and please don't get me started on the yard trucks. Headlights on give them a bit more warning, and you more time to stop (most pedestrians dress in dark cloths at night for some bizarre reason).

Pretty much the same applies to truck stops, rest areas, and company terminals, though often not to the same extent.

The only exceptions to my rule are weigh stations (most want headlights off while approaching so they can see your baseplate at night) and similar security oriented situations.

I'd rather have someone PO'd at me for causing them some visual discomfort than wait for the EMT's to pry them off my bumper.

 

Headlights on at all times (day and night) while truck is moving.

If I'm in a truck stop or receiver and I am waiting for another driver to maneuver into a spot I'll turn them off until he is in and then they go back on until I'm in my spot.

 

The same exact rule and courtesy I follow. I definitely turn them off while waiting for guys to do their thing, but I don't like moving around without them.

 

Yep let someone walk out, pull out or back out and you hit them or they hit you. Every witness statement is going to say you was riding around with you lights off. And see if they care if you had your park lights on or not. You wasn't parked you was moving. If lights bother you while you are parked close the curtain and go to sleep instead of just taking up room. Now if someone is backing in I will turn them off but as long as the wheels are turning lights on. When I pull in and park for the night the first thing I do is pull my curtains and turn off the radio I could care less whats going on in the parking lot

 

Here's one dude that shoulda had his headlights on.

 

With the daylight running lights that most trucks have these days while in the dark at a truck stop drop them to the DRL. You will be seen over just having your marker lights on.

When parked of course turn them off. They could interfere with someone backing in across from you or shine into the truck across from you while they are doing paper work in the drivers seat.
Sleeping those drivers should be behind a curtain. If not well still turn them off while parked but was you are driving and it disturbs a sleeper ask them why they don't have the curtains closed and f the reply is They don't have any then tough put a towel in the window. You are driving in a safe manner in a heavy traffic area and need those light on.

But, they do help when someone is trying to back out and do not see your lights on the ground as you approach them. If they back up and you hit them then lay the blame on yourself as you were NOT visible.

To bad CB's aren't popular as a tool to be used to warn about a situation but that's a different subject.

I always drove in a parking lot with my lights on. I've seen what can happen when drivers turn them off.

 

I turn mine off whenever possible as a courtesy to other drivers