Night Driving Use of Lights.
Not switching on lights during the hours of twilight or dusk has been the cause
of many accidents. The regulations on the use of lights are clearly laid down. Younger
drivers, especially, should remember that others may have inferior night vision
to their own and for this reason should switch on their lights when they see that
others are doing so.
The law requires a driver to dip headlights, when 200 metres or less from an oncoming
vehicle or less than 200 metres from a vehicle ahead, but it is more courteous and
adds to road safety to dip one's lights earlier if an oncoming vehicle, a vehicle
ahead or a pedestrian approaching even if the distance is more than 200 metres.
A driver should return lights to high-beam as soon as no more oncoming vehicles
are in sight. The lights of even one oncoming vehicle will have impaired your night
vision, temporarily, and unless you are travelling slowly, you need all available
assistance from your own headlights as early as possible.
The use of high-beam may be very helpful when two vehicles are approaching each
other on a blind corner. A high beam may illuminate trees, fence or road cutting
and be visible to an oncoming driver several seconds before he comes into view.
Driving at night gives the impression of increased speed. Some drivers claim they
prefer night-time motoring because the approach of other vehicles can be seen by
oncoming headlights. But it is indisputable that no matter how efficient the headlights
on one's own vehicle or any other, visibility is far less than during daylight hours.
Where there are no oncoming vehicles, the driver should use high-beam lights to
give visibility over a maximum distance. But always remember that speed must be
such that the vehicle can be stopped within the range of the lights. As well as
being illegal, it is an act of extreme discourtesy to use the high-beam lights when
closely following another vehicle - the reflection in the driving mirrors may be
blinding to other driver.
Avoid looking directly into the lights of an oncoming vehicle. Incline the head
downwards and to the left and guide the car by watching the left side or shoulder
of the road, never the middle, even if this is marked. If necessary, the vehicle
should be slowed or stopped. White lines are now painted on the edges of the pavement
on many roads and these certainly help in the case of dazzle. The driver should
also assess whether an oncoming vehicle is out of control.