Watch now:
Whether you're driving on the highway or in the city, using your headlights properly could help you arrive at your destination safely.
- they help you see any road hazards or obstructions
- let other drivers know you're there
Studies show that vehicles driven with their lights on at all times are less likely to be involved in collisions. Remember to use your headlights since some vehicles do not have taillights on when daytime running lights are being used.
In Saskatchewan every year, approximately 21 collisions occur as a result of defective lights. These defective or misaligned headlights and taillights cause reduced visibility of vehicles around you.
It's the law
The Traffic Safety Act requires drivers to use headlights from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise, and any time visibility is poor. There is a $115 fine for not following this rule.
Driving with 1 headlight is both illegal and dangerous. Remember to replace any burned-out lights immediately.
Every year in Saskatchewan, there are about 94 convictions for 'headlights not illuminated' and 13 for 'failing to dim.'
Know your headlight range
It's important to drive within the range of your headlights. If your speed requires a total stopping distance that exceeds the range of your headlights, you are over-driving your headlights. You will not be able to stop your vehicle before reaching a possible hazard. Reduce your speed so you can stop comfortably within the range of your headlights.
Dim those lights
Don't use your high-beam lights in the city.
When meeting another vehicle on the highway, you must dim your headlights at least 200 m (650 ft) in advance of oncoming vehicles and keep them dimmed until the vehicle has passed. Also, turn off any spot-lamps at least 500 m (1,640 ft) in advance of an oncoming vehicle and keep them turned off until the vehicle has passed. You are not required to dim your headlights for oncoming traffic if you are driving on a divided highway where the distance between the roadways is 22 m (70 ft) or more.
Use low-beams
When using your headlights in daytime because of bad weather such as fog, remember to use your low-beams to reduce glare for other drivers.
When you are following another vehicle, or when you are being passed, you must dim your lights within 100 m (330 ft) of another vehicle and keep any spot-lamps or auxiliary driving lights turned off within 500 m (1,640 ft).
Cut that glare
To reduce glare, don't look directly at the headlights of oncoming traffic; instead, look to the right edge of the roadway.
To cut glare from the rear, adjust your mirror or use a day-night mirror. Reduce your speed until your eyes have recovered from the glare.
Keep them clean
To make your headlights more visible, clean the road dirt off your headlights, especially in slushy conditions.
