Why are high beam switches no longer on floor?

European cars started the trend in the 60's.

Not only is it easier to use the stalk switch over the foot switch, it is cheaper to manufacture as well. One les switch, and several less feet of wire plus the labor time to install the foot switch is now gone.

"which isn't as easy to work when you need to make a switch while going through a turn, especially if you have a manual transmission?"

I can't agree there. Most turns with a manual transmission, I'm going to be downshifting, or getting read to down shift. It would be difficult to push a clutch pedal and hi-beam switch at the same time!

If you REALLY prefer the foot stomper thingy, ANY car can be modified very easily to the foot style switch.

Floor Switch

how can you have trouble with high low while going into a corner?

I remember switch on floor and Standard transmission and there is not way to use the switch while using the clutch at the same time. I feel for you if can't use the dimmer with your left hand while shifting with your right,,even if in a corner

I have in the past replaced floor mounter switches due to sand and salt, I do not know of anyone that has ever replaced a column mounted one

Car companies make much more money when the high-low beam switch goes bad on the left under-side of the steering wheel. Although less expensive, the switch on the floor is more apt to go bad because it's in a fairly dirty location but inexpensive to replace.

I fully agree with you if you actually need to shift down when entering a corner. Unless you have big hands you can't hook the steering wheel with your thumb and work the high-low beam switch with your fingers.

Try changing the headlights *before entering the corner regardless if someone is driving the opposite direction.

That was actually an evil government plot to confuse all the blondes out there who couldn't switch the lights from low to high because it was too hard to get their foot up there to the steering column to make the change.

The floor switches would fail because of snow/salt getting on the switch.

You must really be uncoordinated if you can't pull or push the turn signal lever!!!

The real reasons according to the NHTSA were because they were hard to find in the dark, people got confused looking for them and your foot would slip of them if your shoes were wet because most people would not replace the rubber covers when they wore out.