Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging motorists to check – and use – their car lights to ensure they’re as visible as possible during this darkest time of the year.
The advice comes amid concern that too many drivers fail to turn their lights on in conditions of poor natural light, or when bad weather reduces visibility.
A large number of drivers still rely on automatic lighting systems and front-only daytime running lights.
The result is that visibility ahead could be reduced, and too often there will be no rear lights showing at all.
GEM chief executive Neil Worth explains: “More and more cars now have automatic lighting arrangements. These, combined with front-only daytime running lights, mean it’s easy to assume your lights are all taken care of without you needing to do anything.
“However, daytime running lights are not strong enough to illuminate the road ahead and will not make you properly visible to oncoming traffic and other road users, especially in foggy or wet conditions. What’s more, you are likely to be displaying no rear lighting whatsoever.
“If your car is easy to spot, you will be doing your bit for road safety. That’s why we are encouraging drivers to think about the lights they use and reduce their risk on winter journeys.”
GEM’s advice is to use your experience and common sense, and not to rely on automatic sensors to judge what lights are appropriate on your journeys.
At this time of year, it makes sense to use dipped headlights at all times, day and night. Switching them on will also ensure your rear lights are on, so you’ll be more conspicuous from front and rear.
Make regular checks of your main beams, indicators, sidelights, fog lights and brake lights.
Know where your fog light controls are located, so you can turn them on and off as conditions require.
Familiarise yourself with any automatic lighting systems on your car, but don’t rely on them to provide the right level of conspicuity at all times and in all conditions.
Make sure you use lights in such a way that you and other road users gain the maximum benefit. After all, it’s about being seen as much as being able to see.
Look out for other drivers who may not be using lights as effectively as they could.
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*Article Source http://www.motoringassist.com
