Tipp of the Week: When should your headlights be on?
Hello Tipp City! Marc the Cop here;
The weather we have been having lately, with rain and some fog in the mornings, has made the commute a bit of a challenge. What is more challenging is that I have noticed how many motorists do not have their headlights on during inclement weather. What makes it even worse is motorists driving silver cars without their headlamps on.
I was turning left onto County Road 25A when a silver Ford F-150 seemingly came out of nowhere. It was foggy, the driver did not have his headlamps on, and it was a silver truck.
So, when should we have our headlights on? Ohio Revised Code section 4513.03 says: From Sunset to Sunrise, any other time when, due to insufficient natural light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons, vehicles, and substantial objects on the highway are not discernible at a distance of one thousand feet ahead. At any time when the windshield wipers of the vehicle are in use because of precipitation on the windshield.
Wipers on - Headlights on!
What if my car has daytime running lights? When the above conditions exist, you must manually turn those lights on; remember to turn them off once you reach your destination. Remember, daytime running lights are only lights to the front; this does not turn on all of your vehicle lights.
Driving with headlights is crucial for ensuring safety on the road under various conditions. Here are several scenarios where using headlights is essential:
1. Nighttime Driving: Headlights are legally required from dusk till dawn. They illuminate the road, help drivers see obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles, and make your car visible to others. High beams are useful on poorly lit roads but should be dimmed when another vehicle approaches to avoid blinding the other driver.
2. Low Visibility Conditions: Visibility is significantly reduced during fog, heavy rain, or snow. In such conditions, using low-beam headlights or fog lights can improve visibility and make your vehicle more noticeable to others. High beams should be avoided as they can reflect off moisture droplets, snowflakes, or fog, further reducing visibility.
3. Twilight and Dawn: Light levels can be deceptive even if the sun is rising or setting. Turning on your headlights during these times ensures that your vehicle is visible to others who may not see you against the backdrop of a rising or setting sun.
4. Entering Tunnels and Parking Garages: These areas are typically dark, and turning on your headlights helps you see better and alerts others to your presence. Automatic headlights often handle this transition, but it's good practice to turn them on manually if needed.
5. Rural and Winding Roads: In areas with no streetlights or where roads twist and turn, headlights are essential for spotting potential hazards like animals, sharp turns, or other vehicles. High beams can be helpful here but should be used judiciously.
6. Adverse Weather: In addition to fog, rain, and snow, weather conditions like dust storms or wildfire smoke can impair visibility. Turning on your headlights helps maintain safety by improving your ability to see and be seen.
7. Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): Many modern vehicles come equipped with DRLs, which are lower-intensity lights that automatically turn on when the car is running. While not as bright as full headlights, they help improve vehicle visibility during daylight hours, especially in shadowed areas or during overcast weather.
In summary, using headlights appropriately is a fundamental aspect of safe driving. They enhance visibility, improve reaction times, and significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Whether driving at night, in adverse weather, or under low visibility, headlights are a critical safety feature that should not be overlooked.
Remember the 9 p.m. routine! The Nine p.m. routine is a nightly reminder to residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, lock the doors to their residences, turn exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems.
That is all for this week! Please be safe, care for one another, and I'll see you in church on Sunday!
Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)
Do you have a suggestion for the Tipp of the Week? You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!
The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.