A motoring expert at Dick Lovett has issued a headlight warning to drivers after the clock changes at the weekend.
Looking out for other road users is one of the fundamental rules of driving. But as we get out of the winter, drivers will naturally be using their headlights less.
However, with the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) not occurring until late June, Brits still have plenty of commuting hours in the dark, so they shouldn’t think about forgetting about their headlights just yet.
While most drivers of modern cars will rely on their automatic headlights to determine whether their driving conditions require their headlights or not, a buildup of winter dirt and salt from the road can make these sensors unreliable. Similarly, automatic headlights may not always activate in certain conditions like heavy rain—not ideal for spring showers.
Alex Lee, a motoring expert at Dick Lovett warns that drivers should always check their headlight settings before setting off, even as the nights get lighter.
Alex explains: “It can be easy to leave work at the end of the day in the springtime and assume the light skies equal visibility on the roads.
“However, this isn’t always the case.
“As per the Highway Code, you should use dipped headlights when visibility is reduced—or when you’re able to see less than 100 metres (328 feet) ahead of your vehicle.
“Failure to turn on your headlights when you don’t have this kind of visibility could land you with a £100 fine if caught by the police, and if you are caught with the issue again unfixed, this can rise to £1,000.
“If the conditions are serious enough, the police officer could charge you with dangerous driving, which carries a minimum 12-month driving ban.
“If you’re still unsure of when to turn your headlights on during the springtime, you can always put them on every time you get into your car.
“While there’s no legal requirement to run your dipped headlights at all times, it’s actually better for safety as it makes it much easier for other cars to see you.”
