A union: wiper, lights.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Given Oregon's usual November-to-June weather patterns, Senate Bill 652 should be a no-brainer for lawmakers. The bill, introduced by Sen. Bill Morrisette, D-Springfield, would require motorists to turn on their headlights any time they turn on their windshield wipers. The bill should be passed.

Under current state law, headlights are required between sunset and sunrise (though many Oregon drivers have a belated view of when sunset occurs), when pedestrians and vehicles aren't clearly discernible from 1,000 feet (a little over three football fields), or when the automobile is part of a funeral procession.

Yet common sense strongly suggests that motorists should activate their headlights at other times, especially when the weather is less than balmy. Oregon is currently in the less-than-balmy time of the year, when skies are gray and rainy most days.

Many motorists are under the impression that headlights are useful only to illuminate the path in front of them. Wrong. They're also needed to let other motorists know you're there. That's especially true on dark, rainy days, and if you're driving a dark-colored or gray car that could blend in with the roadway or the skies.

An informal survey suggests that about 80 percent of Eugene-Springfield area drivers use their headlights at appropriate times. The other 20 percent simply haven't gotten the word that they're jeopardizing themselves and others by not letting other drivers know they're on the road. That's an important part of what headlights do: They alert other drivers to your presence.

Morrisette's SB 652 would require that headlights be on when rain, drizzle or even mist beclouds a driver's windshield, suggesting that windshield wipers are called for. This newspaper has advocated the wiper-headlight union for several years. SB 652 would mandate it. Its passage would disadvantage no one.

With or without a law, using headlights in wet weather is a good idea. Here are some good rules for November-to-June driving in Oregon:

If it's a dark or cloudy day, or if it's getting on toward dusk but visibility is still relatively good, turn on your headlights anyway. This signals your presence to others already in or about to enter the roadway.

If your vehicle is gray or dark-colored, its headlights should be on regardless of the time of day. Dark or gray vehicles tend to blend in with the background, especially if daylight is waning or the roadway is damp. Your headlights alert other motorists of your presence.

Regardless of weather conditions, activate your headlights during intercity travel, especially on two-lane highways but also on freeways. This kind of defensive driving technique improves your safety and that of others.

Meanwhile, safe - and lighted - driving to all.