Somewhere else Quote by Stuart Dybek
““In summer, waiting for night, we’d pose against the afterglow on corners, watching traffic cruise through the neighborhood. Sometimes, a car would go by without its headlights on and we’d all yell, “Lights!” “Lights!” we’d keep on yelling until the beams flashed on. It was usually immediate - the driver honking back thanks, or flinching embarrassed behind the steering wheel, or gunning past, and we’d see his red taillights blink on. But there were times - who knows why? - when drunk or high, stubborn, or simply lost in that glide to somewhere else, the driver just kept driving in the dark, and all down the block we’d hear yelling from doorways and storefronts, front steps, and other corners, voices winking on like fireflies: “Lights! Your lights! Hey, lights!””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Lights” from The Evening News, 1995
Children’s nighttime game of shouting “Lights!” forces drivers to turn on headlights, highlighting communal enforcement of safety norms.
In simple terms: Kids call out to make drivers notice them.
Key Takeaway
Use community cues to promote safety.
Themes
community
safety
youth culture
Mood
playful
observational
Type
cultural
social
When to use this quote
- neighborhood watch
- road safety campaigns
- nighttime pedestrian behavior
Key Concepts
social signaling
public awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does collective action influence driver behavior?
- What alternatives exist for ensuring nighttime visibility?
A Different Perspective
Drivers may ignore or react negatively to repeated shouts.
