GM trucks white lights (vehicle, red light, air bag, SUV)

[dkf747]

I just started noticing that when people open the doors on Chevyor GMC trucks that the white "back up" lights come on. No one is in the driver seat, and the engine is off. Why did they do that? Is it to announce that a person is driving an SUV or a truck? If it were the red lights I wouldn't mind, but the white ones are pretty bright.

[Deez Nuttz]

I've noticed that too, and I've had to wonder why.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by dkf747

I just started noticing that when people open the doors on Chevyor GMC trucks that the white "back up" lights come on. No one is in the driver seat, and the engine is off. Why did they do that? Is it to announce that a person is driving an SUV or a truck? If it were the red lights I wouldn't mind, but the white ones are pretty bright.

Not certain it applies to all General Motors vehicles, dkf . . .

However, that particular feature is linked to the Key FOB unlock options on my truck and is great safety feature when approaching the vehicle in a poorly lit parking area.

[Innovator831021]

Its just an exterior illumination feature if you need to get out of your car in the dark and would like to see around. Im sure many of you have heard of Twilight Sentinel systems that simply keeps headlights and other external light sources on for a set time or not at all.

[Mr & Mrs C]

I like that feature on my Cadillac. I can see everything around my car at night.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by Bummer

However, that particular feature is linked to the Key FOB unlock options on my truck and is great safety feature when approaching the vehicle in a poorly lit parking area.

How is it a safety feature? What was unsafe prior to this feature coming out? I think it might actually be unsafe. It looks like the truck is going to back up. What happens when people realize it doesn't mean that anymore. Will they walk, or drive, behind it thinking, "it's just that feature and doesn't mean anyone is backing up", only to discover that they really were backing up after getting hit by the truck?

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by dkf747

How is it a safety feature? What was unsafe prior to this feature coming out? I think it might actually be unsafe. It looks like the truck is going to back up. What happens when people realize it doesn't mean that anymore. Will they walk, or drive, behind it thinking, "it's just that feature and doesn't mean anyone is backing up", only to discover that they really were backing up after getting hit by the truck?

Very valid point, dkf.

On the flip side . . . how safe is it to approach a vehicle in a poorly lighted parking space?

Also, as I posted earlier, it is an option and is easily disabled.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Very valid point, dkf.

On the flip side . . . how safe is it to approach a vehicle in a poorly lighted parking space?

Also, as I posted earlier, it is an option and is easily disabled.

That was one of my questions. Is it really unsafe without that feature. How did we get by all these years without it?

If they could come up with a way to do it without using the backup lights then my earlier point is moot.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by dkf747

That was one of my questions. Is it really unsafe without that feature. How did we get by all these years without it?

If they could come up with a way to do it without using the backup lights then my earlier point is moot.

The owner of the vehicle is able to eliminate that feature with a click of a button.

As for your "How did we get by . . . ?" question . . . that could apply to Seat Belts, Air Bags, ABS and the list could be as long as your arm.

In my initial post, I was merely responding to your question, not endorsing the benefits or disadvantages of the feature.

[Tennesseestorm]

I think its good, but I think when the car is actually backing up with the reverse lamps on, there should also be some sort of flashing red light to alert the car actually moving and educate people on this.