Leeton Shire Council is recommending drivers to use daytime running lights in an effort to “be safe and be seen”. Turning your lights on during the day is a very simple way of improving your visibility to other drivers and road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists who may not be visible until they are very close.
Leeton Shire Council’s 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.”
In winter, the ambient light level can be poor and it is important to remember to turn your lights on, particularly in overcast conditions and when fog is about, to improve your visibility as the fog can linger across the shire’s 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 improve your vehicle’s visibility. 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 Puntoriero 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 their destination.”
Daytime running lights are becoming more prevalent on cars in Australia in order to increase the visibility of the vehicle to other road users. Where fitted, the lights will switch on and off automatically when the engine starts and stops.
If your vehicle is not fitted with daytime running lights or fog lights, use your headlights in the low beam position to improve your visibility.
Don’t use your parking lights in unfavourable conditions because they provide limited benefit for improving your visibility.
To avoid a flat battery, remember to turn your lights off when exiting your vehicle, particularly if your vehicle is not fitted with an automatic alert feature.
