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

I'm a bit confused by cars running with daytime running lights. Why are they only on at front of vehicles? I've been passed by numerous cars and small commercial vehicles recently in some dreadful driving conditions, but they fly past to disappear quickly in the gloom with zero lighting at the rear. I thought DRLs were introduced to cut accidents, as many drivers seem to be unaware that darkness is falling but dark at their back can't help?

Asked on 10 June 2012 by SL, Harlow

Answered by Honest John
Well, you are right. They are supposed to warn of oncoming vehicles. But many drivers use them instead of dipped headlights in poor weather conditions, forgetting that the rear lights don't go on too.
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