See and be seen

Vehicle lighting has long been an issue of concern for many drivers. The arguments range from lights on or off in rain, Daytime running lights (DRLs) good or bad, to what is the real purpose of "driving lights?" What ever cause you choose, be ready for a conflict. Drivers these days just simply do not know the proper use of their lighting equipment.
State laws also affect the use of your vehicles lights. States like California do not allow the use of parking lights only at anytime, nor do they allow "driving lights" to be used on-highway. Driving lights are commonly confused with fog lights, but since the reduction in use of the amber (yellow) type lights, the issue has heated. Many plains states require the use of headlights and DOT approved auxiliary lighting when conditions exist that warrant their use. (rain, blowing snow or smoke etc) Harmony is an advocate for the use of headlights during such weather conditions that lighting would improve visibility, not for the driver, but for other drivers to locate nearby vehicles. Truckers often express concerns that other drivers [of trucks and cars] need to use their lights to be seen in wet conditions. The spray from the trucks significantly reduces visibility around them and the use of headlights makes other vehicles visible.

Proper use of your vehicles lights could decrease the chances of you being involved in an incident, that could have been avoided, by simply turning on the lights. As fall approaches, the days become shorter and darkness sets in earlier. I always find it astonishing, how many drivers, forget to turn on their headlights when it begins to get dark. In some metro areas where highway lighting is sufficient, you will occasionally see a motorist driving without their lights on. Assuming these drivers are not impaired in some way, it stands to reason why they do not use their lights. However, the more visible you are the less chance you have for a mishap and lights on at night, is just good common sense.

The next issue on lighting is the proper adjustment of the vehicles lights, both headlights and fog/driving lights. Sure, while just the fact they are on helps others to see you, if they are ill adjusted, then they can hinder other drivers visibility and cause a crash due to the "blinding" of the driver. This has been cited as a cause for 2 of every 15 nighttime auto collisions and for 4 of every 25 single auto crashes. Poor visibility, caused by either no lighting, improper use of lighting or out of adjustment lighting is a gross operator error, contributing to injuries and deaths on our highways. It is the drivers responsibility to ensure proper use, function and adjustment of the vehicles lights of which they operate.

Technology has improved vehicle lighting. Headlights technology is entertaining new intensities, shapes, safety and styling. It is aimed at making the future of headlights brighter and beneficial. The latest addition though is the use of LED (light-emitting diode) and HID (high-intensity discharge). Automakers have divulged their vision to use the recent breakthroughs in vehicle headlights. Further, digital lighting is anticipated to invade the industry in the coming years. Mahendra Dassanayake, staff technical specialist at Ford Motor Co., said, "Instead of talking about a lot of light all over [the road], we want to put smart light out where you need the light." In recent years, autos have incorporated smart lighting, to which the lights "turn" with the vehicle, illuminating the blind areas of cornering.

However we progress in lighting technology, none of it serves us well, if not properly used or turned on! Being seen is just as important as being able to see.

Thanks for reading and keep your motoring future bright.