6 headlight safety tips for driving after dark

Driving after dark isn’t something to be trifled with. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on-road fatalities occur three times more at night when compared to that of the day. So, proper precautions must be taken while driving in the dark. These 6 headlight safety tips can come in handy.

Introduction

Tip 1: Check the brightness

Headlight brightness dims over time. Hence, if you have a vehicle that’s well aged over time, it’s advisable to give its headlights a thorough check up before venturing out into the dark. Replace dim lights (if you have any) with high quality bulbs.

Tip 2: Avoid using high beams

Use high beam ONLY when the conditions mandate it (like when there’s no oncoming traffic in your lane). NEVER use high beam when you have oncoming traffic because the high beam light blinds oncoming vehicles. Be a little courteous. Immediately switch from high beam to low beam when you see someone opposite to you.

Tip 3: Check your headlight aim

Your headlights will be of no use to you if they aren’t aimed in the right direction. Make sure that they are pointed in the right direction before you venture straight into your night-time adventure. Consulting a professional is more advisable especially when this is concerned.

Tip 4: Hold “flash” when visibility’s poor

When visibility is well beyond poor, hold the flash switch temporarily to activate both the low beam and high beam simultaneously. This would roughly double your power of light. By the way, implement this tactic only if there’s no traffic in front of you.

Tip 5: Clean your headlight lenses

Your headlight lenses can cloud over with constant accumulation of salt, dust and road grime. Even the heat of the lights can affect the covers. Hence, it’s necessary to clean the lights from time to time for maximum efficiency. Ensure you do that before your nighttime drive.

Tip 6: Driving in foggy conditions

Driving after dark itself is a pretty serious business. Couple this with foggy conditions and it becomes something more. Extreme caution’s mighty important in these situations. Always use low beam and fog light while driving in foggy conditions. High beam actually reduces visibility in fog. Better avoid that completely.

Designed and Compiled by:

Houston OfficeBaumgartner Law Firm

6711 Cypress Creek ParkwayHouston,TX 77069

P (281) 893-0760TF (866) 758-4529

www.texas-truckaccidentlawyer.com