Truck and car features are always improving in order to provide drivers with increased road safety. When you purchase a vehicle you probably do not give much thought to the headlights. After all, electric headlights have been standard equipment on cars since the early part of the 1900s. However, headlights have quite a bit to do with safety on the roadways. A new study done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, IIHS, indicates that headlights, particularly those on pickup trucks, may not be as safe as they should be.
Headlight Safety
Headlights provide safety while driving at night or in other conditions with poor visibility. Headlights need to be bright enough so that drivers are able to see in front of them. Many factors must be considered when choosing a safe headlight. In the testing, headlights were evaluated at various distances and under different circumstances. For example, the light projected was reviewed while traveling both in a straight line and on a curve. Glare is also a factor that was evaluated.
Types of Headlights
Headlights have evolved over the years and continue to change. Today there are three main types of headlights available. These include halogen, high intensity (HI) and LED (light-emitting diode). Halogen headlights have become the industry standard. LED lights are designed to last longer and are supposed to provide light at a further distance. However, LED headlights are typically more expensive than other types.
Few Pickup Trucks Have Adequate Headlights
According to the study, only one new pickup truck (2017 Honda Ridgeline) had headlights rated as “good,” and only one other truck (2016-17 GMC Sierra) had headlights rated as “acceptable.” All of the other truck headlights tested scored marginal or poor. Drivers should be aware of these ratings and the associated dangers of poorly rated headlights.
Poor Visibility Can Cause Accidents
Poor visibility due to inadequate headlights can cause accidents. The inability to properly see while driving can create a hazardous situation. For example, if you are driving at night on a poorly lit highway, you rely on your headlights. Insufficient headlights may cause a driver to be unable to see another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or road condition, which could result in a serious accident. Drivers are responsible for maintaining a speed that is safe at all times. If a driver cannot see because of poor headlights, he or she must slow down to a speed that allows for safe travel.
Accidents Due to Inadequate Headlights
Accidents may happen when drivers do not see properly while on the road. Crashes due to poor visibility may be serious, especially if the vehicle is travelling at a high rate of speed. If your vehicle does not have proper headlights, have them replaced. It is also helpful to ensure that your headlights are pointed for optimal vision. If you have been hurt in an accident caused by a driver with poor headlights, the other driver may be held responsible for damages. Contact the experienced lawyers at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea to schedule a consultation today.
Write a comment: