All modern vehicles are fitted with headlights, turn signals, fog lights and brake lights. In fact, it is a legal requirement that vehicle lights are in working condition. This is something that the police look out for on a regular basis.
Why are vehicle lights so important? What difference do they make in terms of road safety?
Visibility is crucial
Visibility is crucial on the road. You need to be able to see other vehicles, and their drivers need to be able to see you. Headlights can help with this, particularly as the darker days of fall approach. Clearly seeing other vehicles allows drivers to judge traffic conditions, following distances and much more.
Anticipating other drivers’ maneuvers
Vehicle lights also help drivers to anticipate other drivers’ maneuvers. For example, reverse lights let drivers know that a vehicle is backing up. Brake lights show other drivers that a vehicle is slowing down, and turn signals let drivers know when a vehicle is going to make a turn.
When something is wrong
While hazard lights aren’t used as often as other lights, they’re crucial to letting other drivers know that there’s a vehicle stopped where they might not expect to find it – for example, when a vehicle has broken down. They can also alert others to the presence of a collision. Many accidents occur when vehicles have unexpectedly had to stop
When used appropriately, vehicle lights can prevent accidents. When a driver neglects to use their lights appropriately or their lights aren’t working properly, they can cause a collision. If you have been injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence or actions, it’s wise to get legal guidance to help ensure that you get fair compensation.
