If you were under the impression that you’re only supposed to use your headlights when the sun goes down and it’s dark, you were mistaken. Your headlights are great devices that perform a number of vital functions, all of which make can help keep you safe on the road. In this article, we explain exactly when you should be turning on those headlights!
You know that your headlights help you see in the dark, but they can do so much more than that. They help you see when it’s raining, when it’s foggy out, when you’re driving through a dust cloud, and when it’s cloudy or snowing. If you’re having trouble seeing other cars, remember, other drivers are having trouble seeing you too. You need to turn your headlights on whenever you need help seeing better.
When Do I Turn on My Headlights?
Below are the times when you should be turning on your headlights. Read over them a few times until they’re etched in your memory. Proper headlight use can save lives!
When to use your headlights:
- When driving in the dark
- When driving on small country roads
- When driving on mountain roads
- When driving in the rain
- When driving in the fog
- When driving in the snow (but don’t turn on your high-beams)
Each state has enacted its own laws regarding headlight use, and South Carolina is no exception. In South Carolina, the law states that drivers must use their headlights 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before the sun rises. Drivers are also required to use headlights when they’re using their wipers and when visibility is less than 500 feet.
Proper headlight use is critical because when a driver fails to use their headlights in the above situations, it can lead to deadly head-on or side-impact crash, especially at night. Driving in the dark without headlights is extremely dangerous and greatly increases the risk of a collision.
Next: Eating & Driving: A Dangerous form of Driver Distraction!