When drivers should turn on their headlights, according to Delaware law. Safe driving tips
While spring brings warmer weather, it is also known for being rainy.
Running errands or commuting to work in inclement weather isn't fun, and it can be made even more stressful by people who don't obey Delaware's driving laws.
Particularly when it comes to drivers not using their headlights correctly.
Here's a quick refresher on Delaware's law about headlight usage during adverse weather conditions.
If you scroll through your social media feeds after a foggy or rainy day, chances are you'll encounter quite a few complaints from drivers about cars failing to use their headlights.
In a Reddit thread from mid-April, Delawareans shared their grievances about seeing fellow drivers without their headlights on during heavy rain.
'We've had so many storms lately. A lot of cars on the freeway don't have their lights on in heavy rain. Wipers on should be headlights on,' the author of the Reddit post said.
And it's not the only discussion of this kind on the website.
Across several posts about headlight usage in Delaware, drivers tell stories about accidents or near-accidents they have either witnessed or experienced in which cars without headlights on were hard to see on the road during foggy mornings, rainy afternoons and other bad weather.
'Not this auto crap. Turn them ON so we can see your taillights. Over half the cars on this morning's commute had no taillights and some didn't even have headlights on,' another Reddit user posted during the winter.
Are you part of the Hurricane Katrina disapora? Share your story here.
Many states have laws requiring drivers to turn their headlights on during inclement weather, regardless of the time of day. Delaware's law is similar.
The Delaware Code states that cars should have their headlights on in the following situations:
From sunset to sunrise.
During fog, smoke or rain.
When windshield wipers are in use because of weather conditions.
At any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, people and vehicles on the highway are not 'clearly discernible' at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead.
Delaware law classifies driving without headlights in necessary situations as a secondary offense, meaning it is not an infraction that, on its own, will get someone pulled over by a police officer. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't abide by the law.
Update: Delaware lawmakers, leaders condemn hate crimes at Millville Volunteer Fire Company
Turning headlights on not only helps the driver's visibility but also helps that car be seen by others on the road. Especially vehicles that are grey or silver and may blend into the road during certain conditions.
Some car models do not automatically turn on certain light settings and need to be manually chosen. Make sure you know how your car's lights operate to avoid mistakenly driving around without any lights.
If you have trouble remembering to manually flick your lights on, a good habit to start is always driving with your fog lights and low beams on. It can't hurt, and it can always help.
Note that low-beam headlights are lower in intensity than high-beam headlights. High beams should not be turned on during inclement weather, as they can do more harm than good to other drivers.
'Though it may seem counterintuitive, you should not use high beams in extreme weather conditions,' said AAA. 'This strategy can backfire as the high beams mixed with these conditions will reflect back and cause glare, making it more difficult to see.'
A good rule of thumb is to reserve headlights for dark roads with no streetlights, poorly lit urban areas, rural areas and when there is no oncoming traffic, according to AAA.
Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When should you drive with your headlights on in Delaware?
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