Motorists, make sure your lights work properly
To avoid possible accidents, drivers are urged to ensure their car lights work correctly.
Winter is almost here, and we already see the sun rising later and setting earlier.
In addition to prolonged hours of darkness, motorists frequently encounter malfunctioning street lights and unreliable load-shedding schedules, a combination dangerous for drivers going to and from work.
Ensuring your car’s lights operate should be a priority. Many road accidents are avoidable if all the cars’ lights work and drivers use them correctly.
Fortunately, repairing defective lights is an inexpensive and easy job but crucial. Lights make you visible to other drivers, allowing them to see what you’re doing while lighting up the road ahead. Frequent checks should be on your to-do list.
Climb into your car and turn on and off the various lights while someone checks from the outside. Begin with the primary front lights. Turn them on, then adjust the brightness, dimness, and other settings. Then, check your indicators.
Remember, indicator lights might be on multiple areas of the car, such as the sides of the front and the side mirrors. Check them all. Then, check the car’s rear.
Start with the driving lights that light up when your headlights turn on.
Then, check the brake lights by pressing the brake pedal and seeing if both lights illuminate. Recheck your indicators on both sides. Finally, check your reversing lights by shifting into reverse gear. Also, ensure the light above the number plate works.
If you find one or more lights not working, take your car to a certified vehicle workshop. They can usually change the bulbs while you wait. Consider discussing the bulb quality used with the mechanic, especially if you drive in the dark frequently. Certain lights are brighter and might last longer than usual bulbs. However, you will pay extra for these lights.
All drivers are urged to drive responsibly on the roads. While it is necessary to check your lights, it is also crucial to use them correctly. Using your indicators is not an option.
Neither is turning on your lights when it is dark or approaching dark, especially since many traffic signals do not work due to load-shedding. Remember, you are one of many people who use the roads. Be responsible, and everyone will arrive alive.
• Information from MIWA.
