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We all know that driving a car poses certain risks, and that you must pay attention, stay alert, and drive cautiously to avoid an accident. However, according to National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), these risks are alarmingly multiplied once the sun goes down. NHTSA estimates that 42 percent of all traffic collisions occur during nighttime hours due to decreased visibility.
Unfortunately, it isn’t just the dark that creates the visibility problems; many drivers’ inability to properly use their high beams adds to potential “blinding” accidents. As a driver, don’t add to poor visibility by misusing your lights. Although you may need them to boost your visibility, you need to learn when to turn them off so you don’t distract or decrease visibility for other drivers.
When to Use Your High Beams
You should only use your high-beam headlights when it’s difficult to see and no one is front of you, you’re at least 200 feet behind a vehicle and its back lights aren’t illuminating the road enough for you to see, or you’re at least 500 feet from oncoming traffic and need the high beams to see the road.
When to Turn Your Brights Off
You should not use your high beams in the following situations:
- When cars are approaching you. This includes highways where the traffic is on the opposite side of the median. Don’t risk blinding or distracting oncoming traffic; turn your beams off until you’re sure no one is ahead of you.
- In fog. Fog can reflect high beams back to you, making it even harder to see.
- On curves. You never know when another vehicle may be coming toward you around a bend in the road. Turn your brights off until you complete the curve to prevent the possibility of blinding the other driver.
- At intersections and stop signs. Although it may appear that no one is around, you could wind up blinding or distracting drivers on the crossing roads.
- Going up hills. Again, there is no way of telling if a car is coming toward you on the other side of the hill; decrease the risk of distracting another driver by turning your brights off until you’re at the top.
Our Culpeper Car Accident Lawyers Are Here for You
Safety is the most important thing for you and your family. We’ve all witnessed an occasional driver who has forgotten to turn his lights off or mistakenly turns them on without noticing us. However, when that mistake causes an accident, you have the right to receive compensation. If you’ve recently been injured in an accident caused by the negligent use of lights or high beams, call us today for a free consultation. We’ll be glad to review your case, discuss your rights, and provide you with options for an injury claim.
Don’t let your insurance company blindside you with a poor settlement. Let us help you make it through, and get the compensation and justice you deserve. Fill out our contact form or call us at 540-341-0007 now!
