According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), half of the fatal car accidents on U.S. roads occur at night. What is more alarming, is that the number of accidents caused by glare from high beams account for 12 to 15% of all traffic accidents. And while technology typically improves with time, it may have taken a temporary step backwards when it comes to headlights.
The IIHS, which has been monitoring problems with newer headlights for several years, has noted some significant problems. In fact, out of 100 vehicle models tested, only four received a rating of “good” when it came to headlight safety. Meanwhile, 40 vehicle models received “poor” ratings.
So, what are some of the more significant problems when it comes to headlights? Here is a look at some of the findings:
- Color: In the early 2000s, LED lighting was introduced to vehicles and lauded for its energy-saving capabilities. However, as they replaced the softer yellowish hue many had grown accustomed to, people began complaining about the harsher bluish glare emitted by newer vehicles’ headlights.
- Glare: In addition to brighter luminosity, taller trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have contributed to the problem. These days, you would be hard-pressed to find many households without one of these oversized vehicles. In fact, SUVs rank as the most popular type of vehicle in 48 of the 50 states, according to a recent survey. Unfortunately for those driving sedans or other compact vehicles, the height of headlights on taller trucks and SUVs can sometimes be blinding.
- Misalignment: The IIHS notes that two-thirds of all vehicles had at least one headlight that was out of alignment. This can cause a number of issues, both for drivers and other motorists, as it can greatly diminish visibility or cause blinding glare for oncoming vehicles.
While manufacturers continue to work on ways to address this issue, motorists should continue to abide by Pennsylvania laws when it comes to headlight use.
For instance, drivers must use headlights whenever their windshield wipers are in use. Whether from rain, sleet, snow, fog, or other weather-related conditions, if there is enough precipitation to warrant the use of wipers for better visibility, there is a need to use headlights as well. While many vehicles have daytime running lights, these should not be considered headlights in such conditions.
Another rule of thumb regarding visibility is that headlights must be used when a driver cannot see a person or another vehicle at least 1,000 feet away. This is a little less than a quarter of a mile or equivalent to a slightly longer football field length away.
Additionally, headlights must be used from sunrise to sunset. With so many other issues to contend with at night, such as animals running onto the road or individuals with depth-perception issues who are more limited in their ability to see at night, good headlights are a key defense in avoiding roadway mishaps.
When it comes to construction zones, whether active or not, headlights are required to avoid collisions between workers and oncoming vehicles, as well as collisions between vehicles that may have reduced visibility in tighter lanes of travel.
While every accident cannot be avoided, arming yourself with the proper equipment goes a long way in making a journey a little safer. In this case, shedding light on the situation may be all you need. Just be sure to aim headlights according to the car owner’s manual and check them occasionally to make sure they are properly aligned. Keeping them clean and haze-free will also help increase your visibility.
Media Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Can Help You Sort Out the Details in Your Claim
If you are involved in an accident that you believe was caused by a headlight-related issue, call the Media car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. at 610-565-3701 or fill out our online form to schedule an initial consultation. Our offices in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.