Here's a short "Chrysler" marker light history lesson.

http://www.allpar.com/model/charger-sidelights.html

What I found disturbing is someone thought the 68 style markers weren't that good looking. I always thought they were the nicest looking marker lights ever.
Of course side marker lights are there for a reason (to make a car more visible from the side) but our rear tail light actually servers double duty as a side marker also.
I doubt if the accident statistics went down for side impact crashes in 1968 as opposed to 1967 (when there were no side markers).
Personally I always though it was just another case of the "Feds" chipping away at our personal freedoms.