Running lights on - rear lights off? More common

Has anyone else noticed the number of cars being driven without all the proper lights on.  Our car (like other modern cars) has running lights.  This means when you set off in the dark it appears that your lights are on - because you can see light at the front of the car - and it's easy to set off without turning on the main lights.  However, the front running lights are then on, but not the rear lights.  We've noticed an increasing number of cars without rear lights.  Because the running lights are on they are not being 'flashed' to indicate that the lights aren't on, which would be the case with older cars driving along without lights.  We followed a car yesterday along a long and dangerous stretch of unlit road, and my OH repeatedly tried to flash the car to indicate that his lights weren't on but the driver was oblivious.  This is not the first time, and unfortunately more often than not the car in front thinks you're just flashing because you're impatient to overtake - rather than as a warning.

Can I urge everyone to pass on the message to drivers who are likely to forget (perhaps those of a certain age) to remember to check their lights are all on properly BEFORE setting off.

I wonder why the manufacturers don't come up with some fail-safe method of ensuring all lights are on properly.  Our dashboard lights up automatically when the light levels require it (even during storms in the day time) - why can't the headlights and rear lights do the same thing?