Because it’s illegal to drive with the lights off even during daytime. Which in winter might not be that light anyway.

We have a ’03 VW Golf that turns the lights on when the engine starts, but requires you to turn the knob from Off via Parking lights to On to use the high beams. But then it doesn’t warn you that the lights are on when you shut the engine off. So whenever you use the high beams you’ll probably end up running the battery down afterwards because you’re not used to having to turn the lights off manually.

Bad UX was a thing before computerized dashboards.

Just curious, but how long have you had that car? I have an '01 Passat that has the same design where the lights come on when the engine starts. It used to beep at me if the lights we still on when I opened the door to the car. But that died a few years ago (and I have since had to get my car jumped multiple times from leaving it on so I definitely get you point). Just wondering if it was more of a "bad part" than "Bad UX"

Oh, didn’t think of that! Only had it for about 1.5 years.

I'm surprised it would run the battery down. My 2004 toyota had fully manual exterior lights, but they would shut off automatically after about 30 seconds if the car was turned off. No help for you if you forget the dome light on though

Aye, Canada requires daytime running lights. Helpful in the snow and dark and dreary winters... like right now...

Its got its own drawbacks though. DRLs don't turn on your taillights so you still get people in dusk/night/bad weather who don't turn their lights on and you cant see them easily when approaching from the rear.

I see this ALL the time. People drive around at night with their DRLs on, and never turn on their real headlights.

Usually taillights turn on automatically when dark.