Headlight Use

Headlights are more than just daytime running lights.

Headlights are very important during times of inclement weather. It’s not just the headlights but when the headlights are on so are the taillights. Being able to see your vehicle from the front AND rear helps all other motorists. Most newer vehicles have daytime running lights that are on anytime the vehicle is. This is better than nothing however they aren’t always the same as the actual headlights. Generally daytime headlights won’t turn on the vehicles taillights. We’ve had some heavy fog lately that can make coming up on someone without taillights on, going much slower, very difficult to see until the last minute. Which also may suggest slowing down a little. As officers, it puts us in a dangerous place to pull a vehicle over to advise them to turn their lights on. Here is the Iowa code:

321.384 When lighted lamps required. 1. Every motor vehicle upon a highway within the state, at any time from sunset to sunrise, and at such other times when conditions such as fog, snow, sleet, or rain provide insufficient lighting to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of five hundred feet ahead, shall display lighted headlamps as provided in section 321.415, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles as hereinafter stated.

Remember, when in doubt, turn them on. Get in, buckle up, and turn them on. It’s that easy to be a safe driver.