Be Safe Be Seen- turn your headlights on in the daytime

30 May 2018 11:21 AM -

Leeton Shire Council is recommending drivers use daytime running lights in an effort to “be safe and be seen”.  Turning your lights on in the daytime is a very simple way of improving your visibility to other drivers and road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists who are harder to spot in the dark and may not be visible until they are very close. 

Leeton Shire Council Road Safety Officer, Steph Puntoriero says, “Turning your headlights on low beam during the daytime, even on bright clear days improves your visibility on the road. Many drivers forget to turn their headlights on at dusk and dawn or when it is overcast. The risk of being involved in a crash increases in poor light.  It is not about whether you can see the road it is about making sure other drivers can see you.

With winter approaching the ambient light level can be poor and it is important to remember to turn your lights, particularly in overcast conditions and when fog is about to improve your visibility as the fog can linger across the shires roads till mid-morning”.

“According to the NSW Centre for Road Safety, by simply switching on your headlights during the day the risk of being involved in a crash is reduced by up to 10 per cent,”

“Headlights are the most effective way to make your vehicle more visible.” However, it is important that the correct lights are used. Fog lights and high beams are not suitable and parking lights are ineffective while driving. Only use your fog lights when driving in fog, mist, or other atmospheric conditions that restrict your visibility”.

Seeing and being seen is crucial in foggy conditions. In fog, reduce your speed and increase the distance between other vehicles because this will allow you more time to react to unexpected vehicles or hazards that emerge in the fog and also allows others to react to your presence.   It is a legal requirement that once conditions improve and you can see more clearly, the front and rear fog lights are switched off. 

Mrs Puntoirero continues that “The posted speed limits show the maximum speed for driving in good conditions, so if conditions are hazardous drivers should always reduce their speed accordingly and allow extra time to arrive at your destination.”