Are You Using Your Headlights Correctly?

HEADLIGHTSHave you, or someone you know, ever been involved in a car wreck because the other vehicle or obstacle was not visible until the last moment? This situation is all too common and a correct usage of headlights has the potential to greatly cut down on the amount of car accidents that occur due to poor driver visibility.

Every driver knows that it is law to activate your headlights when it is dark out, but you might not know that there are several other requirements of headlights use. The following Arkansas traffic safety laws and advice are taken from the Arkansas DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) Handbook (2017) (page 54, See and Be Seen).

In addition to the transition from day to night, inclement weather also affects driver visibility. Rain, snow and fog all have the capability of greatly impairing the ability of a driver to correctly and safely navigate the road. As a rule of thumb, if you must use your windshield wipers to safely view your path, then you must also turn on your headlights.

Headlights must also be turned on by 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. Additionally, headlights must be turned on whenever driver visibility is less than 500 feet. You also might not know that it is illegal in Arkansas to drive your car with only the parking lights on.

The Arkansas DMV also provides safety tips on headlight usage. If you happen to be driving in inclement weather, you should use your low beam headlights. The light from your high beams will actually be reflected by things like fog and make visibility even poorer. If you are stuck in a situation where an oncoming driver has their high beams on and the intensity of the lights are blinding you, it is advisable to flicker your high beams at them as a signal. Keep it to a handful of flickers, just enough to notify them that you are trying to remind them their high beams are still on.

The road is already a dangerous environment, be sure to keep this advice in mind to make it a safer place. If you do end up being the victim of a car accident where the other driver was not using his headlights correctly, or you have legal questions about automobiles and the road feel free to contact the law office of Oliver Law Firm.

At Oliver Law Firm we have years of experience litigating complex cases and representing clients who have suffered from personal injuries. With our representation, you can rest assured that we will go the extra mile to provide you the legal help you deserve. Our office is located just West of Exit 81 off I-49 in Rogers, Arkansas. Give us a call at 479-202-5200.

We serve Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, Lowell, Bella Vista, Centerton, Decatur, Highfill, Cave Springs, Gravette, Pea Ridge, Fayetteville, Huntsville, Berryville, Eureka Springs and all of Arkansas.

Oliver Law Firm We’ll Take the Reins.