A lot of new cars just confuse this issue as the clocks are backlit even without the lights on. They often actually dim once the lights go on. I don't like this as I think it makes it easier for people to forget to turn their lights on after dark if they can see everything lit up.
Far better if you can't see the dials in the dark unless you turn your lights on!
Daytime running lights don't help either, they see a glow upfront, lit up dash and they set off. Its quite scary really, but it was bound to happen with everything slowly becoming automatically operated. Some people will forget basic functions like checking for blind spots etc, as their wing mirrors didn't warn them when they get into a car that doesn't have it. Etc etc.