I want to bring 2 issues to your attention: First, with all the technology in vehicles today, I can't figure out why there isn't an audible warning if the lights aren't on at night and why they don't come on automatically when windshield wipers are turned on. I often find that I am driving without lights because either my wife or some valet turned them off from 'auto' without my knowledge. I have to imagine accidents have occurred because of this and it seems like such a simple problem to fix. Supposedly there is a law (though I've never seen it) in Florida that you have to have your lights on when it's raining. So why not just have them cone on with the wipers? Second, I am from Detroit so am familiar with cars. Or at least used to be. I recall some time ago that there were regulations to minimize costs and damage during low speed impacts. I am attaching a document I found on line as an example. We had some issues with the sensors on the rear of this Lexus. The dealer said it was going to cost around $3000 to repair and it wasn't covered by warranty, because it must have been caused by someone hitting the car. I don't know if anyone hit the car. We were not in any accidents. And if we were it had to be so minor it wasn't noticed. So how can it cost $3000 to repair such a problem and of course if they aren't working, there is a safety issue when backing up.
NHTSA ODI 11542254