How strange. I only learned of this after 2 drivers verbally accosted me at a red light. My rear/front lights don't automatically turn On with the key switch. I have to turn them on. I was driving dark.

​​​​​Now I'm trying to convince my addled brain to remember this fact every time I go for a drive.

Why did Mazda choose this path? It seems like a security fault. Was it to allow more power to the starter/spark plugs when the car is being turned on?

 

The vast majority of vehicles on the road have a manual headlight switch. How long have you been driving for?

 

The headlight I can understand. But the rear lights have me puzzled. In what instance would I NOT need rear safety lights?

This is my third car, driving 15 years. All past cars had rear light engaged when car starts, as god Intended