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Why don't daytime running lights illuminate the rear lights too?

What was the reasoning behind the decision to provide the new driving lights on the front of new cars without connecting them to the rear lights? I am losing count of the number of cars that I see driving around in near darkness on country roads and dual carriageways in urban areas with front driving lights but no rear lights.

Asked on 13 April 2013 by DH, via email

Answered by Honest John
These are Daytime Running Lights to make approaching vehicles easier to see when emerging from side roads, etc. But you are right. Many drivers who have been parked facing a wall set off on a dark morning thinking their lights are on when only the front DRLs are on.
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