While using the proper headlights at night can be a great way to improve driving in the dark, failing to switch between high beams and low beams around the presence of other traffic has proven dangerous for some drivers. Between the two light sources, high beams emit a significantly stronger light to help drivers see more clearly the road around them. In the case of rural roads especially, high beams can be essential to spot roadside animals that could potentially contribute to an accident. However, if a motorist keeps those bright lights on, they can blind others on the road, leading to an accident. nightsalight
In general, the basic protocol governing high lamp use is that one a driver notices the headlights, not necessarily the vehicle itself, of another vehicle, they should turn off their own high lamps for regular lamps. This reduces the possibility of a driver losing their good sight over the road because of the strength of headlights. In addition to turning off high beams around other drivers, high beams should be restricted around cities and residential areas. High beams are unnecessary in these areas, as streetlamps provide extra light.
In reported negligence suits concerning the use of proper lights, proving negligence has been difficult, but it does have precedence. Often, the key factor between proof of negligence and simple driver error is centered on the driver's legitimate loss of sight and, therefore, loss control over their vehicle. Successful cases have proven that a driver did not respond as if they could see the road ahead of them, and therefore were directly affected by the presence of high beams. On the other hand, claims have failed when drivers noticeably swerved or jerked out of the way, realizing that they could indeed see a vehicle in front of them.
If you would like to discover more about how proper use of headlights can contribute to preventing car accidents, contact a car accident attorney.
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