I've always been interested in looking at places on Google Maps and Streetview and with my new re interest in lighting, that has also grown into looking for vintage lights and also looking at the power lines and transformers as well as traffic signals. Was wondering if anyone does the same.

At least it's safer than staring at streetlights and yard lights whilst driving!

That is why I sometimes like to be a passenger in a vehicle.

I don't use Street View often, but when I do, looking at streetlights and other street furniture is a given. Also, when I am a pedestrian, I do the same.

If I'm looking in a picture-laden magazine (National Geographic or Géo, an equivalent in France) I'm always on the lookout for such things. I have one in which there is a picture of students in a university library. In the corner of the picture, there is a fluorescent batten with a stuck starter. Few people would have noticed, but...

That is why I sometimes like to be a passenger in a vehicle.

I'm the world's worst passenger, I hate not being in the driver's seat, I don't like it when I'm not in control of the vehicle. Sometimes it's a bit of a problem now I don't own a car any more  

I do often look for street lights on Street View though, it's safer 

I've always found it to be not as good as seeing the real thing... since goog maps is always so low quality...

True, but it can be convenient for capturing images to identify fixture, or explore out of the way areas for unique fixtures. It's fun to learn about new locations of a favorite fixture, especially those that are more rare in the area.