Because it's not part of the regular checklist if you don't use the headlights every time you drive, and headlights are one of the few car features fitting that specific use pattern. Every other accessory that gets intermittent/irregular use also turns off when the ignition is off. If I used the lights every time it would be no problem to remember to turn them on each time I start the car and off again each time I park, but in practice I use the headlights maybe 10% of the time I drive, frequently in the winter then hardly ever in the summer. The irregularity makes it something I can easily forget. Other things like putting on my seatbelt, releasing the parking brake, look behind me before reversing, those are things I do every single time I get in the driver's seat. Other occasional stuff like turning on the wipers, the rear defogger, adjusting the heat or the mirrors is something I'm automatically reminded to do by situations that require it.
We usually end up with the headlights on as there are tunnels on our main routes. Even though they are well illuminated it is illegal here to not use dipped beam in tunnels. Quite often we just leave them on. My Landy screams at me if I turn off the key and open the door with the lights on, my brides nearly new Panda simply turns them off - silently - which is nice.
. The panda has a really good manual delay function for the lights that you set with the indicator (R) after ignition off. Each push up is 30 seconds delay. Excellent for illuminating the rather awkward path from her parking area to the house. The Landy I just drive up to the house in any weather.
I am surprised some are against ABS. It is exceptionally good. Cadence braking is all well and good but not a patch on a real abs system. ABS reacts FAR faster and in a better manner than any human operator could. I can see special cases for not wanting it -
on a track car etc (can't comment on motor bikes as never ridden one on the road) , but on the road I think it (ABS) is a godsend. It should never operate before a wheel is actually sensed as stopped. (ABS mode - not ABD or Traction). Each to their own though on that one.
Left foot braking in a front wheel drive is also not 'good' with ABS
... not recommended on the queens highway though...
Usually have fun at the IPO (MOT / annual Safety test) as the ABS warning light on the dash of the landy doesn't turn off until the speed is over 5 MPH. (so as to check the reluctor rings) - old tech but quality Wabco bullet proof ABS AWD TC system. The local test station is now aware of how the ABS test and warning light operate on this model. Amazing also how many times they seem to forget and leave the ignition on when brake roller testing vehicles too.
- yikes ! . Luckily here we can walk through the bay with them during the test, they are generally really good.