The number of cases of road accidents is increasing rapidly in India, posing a threat to individuals’ life. Every year, more than 1 million people die on roads due to vehicle collisions. A road accident is one of the leading causes of poverty in countries like Bangladesh, because either it leads to the lack of income or excessive out-of-pocket expense for medication. Many children die aged between 10 and 24 due to car crashes, as they walk or cycle across unsafe roads.
While some countries make it mandatory to own auto insurance plans to provide financial security when such unfortunate events occur on roads, it is important to know how you can avoid such a contingency. Sometimes, you may unknowingly pose a threat to someone else’s life, like using high-beam lights while driving in the night.
As the use of high-beam lights is quite common in India, this post is to bring some awareness of the potential threats that can be posed by these lights. Here’s why we need to know road safety measures.
Actual Use of High-beam Lights
High-beam lights help the drivers to have a clear view while driving, especially where there is no proper source of light or where traffic is limited. This means that you should use low beam light if a vehicle is not more than 200 meters from you. This is also applicable when a vehicle is crossing from the opposite side or approaching you right from the front. In both the cases, if you use the high-beam light, the other person on the driving seat won’t be able to see through due to excessive light. The consequences can be horrendous, especially if the person is driving at a high speed. As the use of high beam lights at night is unsafe, you should know its actual use to avoid accidents.
Use of High Beam Lights in the Fog
Fog or rain slows down a huge chunk of traffic. Be it road, air or rail transport, it is difficult to navigate during the rain or fog. Most people use high beam lights during the rains and fog, they’re unaware of the fact that this can lead to a mishap. When you use high beam lights in the rain, it produces powerful lights that get reflected by the water drops. It emits sharp glare that prevents the other drivers from seeing through and thus, might result in an accident.
Therefore, the next time you want to use high-beam lights in snow, fog or rain, remember this! Avoid taking someone’s life.
What else…Besides a moral responsibility, let’s us tell you that unnecessary use of high-beam lights is an offence and has legal implications as well.
Since we’ve discussed a lot about the incorrect use of high-beam lights, let’s know about the ideal ways of using lights in different conditions.
Lights to be used Instead of High-beam Lights
As it comes with strong illuminations, it is recommended to use these lights on highways, the areas where traffic is less, or particularly when the other vehicle is 200 meters away from yours. If you notice other vehicles within your vicinity, use other lights, such as the parking light, tail lights, license plate lights, DRL or daytime running light. Let’s have a whole nine yards of how to use these lights:
Use of Low Beam Lights
If go with the road safety rules, one should use low beam lights, especially at nights when there are sufficient sources of light on the roads. It is applicable in case of heavy rain, fog and snow as well.
Best Time to Use Tail Lights
It is recommended to use tail lights half an hour after the sunset, especially on the public roads when there is not sufficient amount of light to identify a vehicle at a definite distance. Drivers can use low beam lights as well.
Bottom Line!
Road safety is a must and has become a trouble for people in developing countries. It is high time we take up road safety measures seriously. Road accidents can become a main reason of emotional as well as of financial hardship. There is no harm in little awareness, as it can save many lives. Now that you know how the use of high-beam lights can be fatal at times, spread the message because a stitch in time saves nine!
