Permanent Headlight Use Reduces Accidents in Boynton Beach Florida

Visibility is a key factor in reducing accidents. Swedish auto manufacturer Saab has equipped its cars with daylight running lights (DRL) since 1968, except in the U.S. market. Almost 30 years later, General Motors introduced them on four of its US product lines in 1995. By the 1997 model year, all GM products had DRLs.

In northern European countries, where daylight is weaker, use of these lights is required at all times. Unlike Canada, the US does not by law require vehicles to be equipped with the lights, but auto manufacturers are promoting them as a safety feature. Some might find themselves wondering whether permanent headlight use reduces accidents in Boynton Beach. Research shows that that permanent headlight use can reduce the occurrence of accidents. To learn more, speak with a qualified car accident lawyer from Kogan & DiSalvo today.

Early Studies on Headlight Usage

A study of Scandinavian nations performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the 1960s showed 18 percent fewer daytime crashes with DRL-equipped vehicles. A US study conducted in 1985 involving a small commercial fleet fitted with them had seven percent fewer daytime collisions.

Some drivers complained that approaching vehicles with those lights caused glare and made other vehicles more difficult to see. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed reducing their brightness, and in 1993, approved the lights for use in all 50 states.

NHTSA conducted a comprehensive study in 2008 comparing their effectiveness in various types of crash situations. It stated DRLs seemed likely to curb fatal and injury wrecks but would have no overall effects on frequency of crashes during the day. These studies corroborate the idea that permanent headlight use reduces accidents in Boynton Beach.

Accidents Using DRLs

Vehicles equipped with the lights now dominate the roadways, and saving even seven percent of fatalities add up to thousands of lives saved every year—reason enough for their use.

If a motorist is involved in a collision while using the daylight running lights, that fact is probably legally irrelevant unless it can be proven that the use of daylight lights was negligent and contributed to causing the crash.

The systems are turned on automatically when the engine starts, although in some makes they can be circumvented and turned off by the headlight control switch, which could be a defense. The best thing to do after a serious injury or death in any collision is quickly obtain the advice of a personal injury lawyer skilled in handling automotive accident cases.

Value of an Attorney

Car accidents can be fatal, which is why it is imperative that you take whatever measures you can to ensure that you are not endangering yourself or others while on the road. One thing you can do to preserve your safety on the road is to keep your headlights on. Permanent headlight use reduces accidents in Boynton Beach and can reduce the likelihood of getting into an accident anywhere else. If you want to know more about how to stay safe on the road, or you have been in an accident and you want to pursue legal action, get in touch with an attorney today.