Headlight misuse putting other road users at risk

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26 million UK motorists are not aware of the Highway Codes guidelines on vehicle light usage - 28th November 2007

A study by esure has found that an estimated 26 million UK drivers are not aware of the guidelines regarding the use of the headlights on their vehicle as recommended in the Highway Code.

The research showed that around half of British motorists own up to driving without using headlights after daylight hours at least once in the last year. Disturbingly around a million of these drivers claim to have been involved in a car crash or road accident as a result of not having their headlights turned on which leads to unnecessary insurance claims and possible prosecution.

Millions of drivers admit not knowing how to operate fog lights and sidelights on their vehicle and so never use them, with 99 percent of motorists saying they have been dazzled by full beam headlights from oncoming vehicles.

Motorists should take extra care whilst driving during the winter months and using the correct lights is an important part of this. Not only does this warn other motorists of a vehicles whereabouts, but also it helps pedestrians see approaching traffic and pedestrians to be seen, so preventing unnecessary pedestrian accidents.

Steve Stradling, a professor of Transport Psychology at Napier University and a member of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety and for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: "Misuse of headlights at this time of year can be particularly dangerous for motorists, especially on badly lit roads.

"In particular, drivers should try to use dipped headlights and not full beam unless absolutely necessary and always remember to leave adequate space between their vehicle and the car in front, so as not to dazzle other motorists."

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