Sometimes drivers get so involved in driving, we forget to do something that makes it safer. Or maybe we’re distracted momentarily and not entirely considering our fellow drivers on the road.
Like, for example, leaving high beam headlights on with approaching traffic. (Bad idea.) It could also be as simple as not signaling a lane change. (Also a bad idea.)
Over the past two weeks, I’ve been doing some driving. Not more than normal by any means, but still enough to make me think we need a new standard signal to remind other drivers to do something.
That something? Turn on the car’s full headlighting system.
It can be hard to see while driving if your headlights aren't on!
If it’s raining, the lighting on your car lets other drivers see you between the raindrops. If it’s dark, turning on all the lights is a must, not only so you can see where you’re going but also to allow others to see you. (No, using only fog lights doesn’t cut it.)
You might think it doesn’t happen often, but I’ve seen the poor judgement side of both of those scenarios play out in front of my eyes while behind the wheel many times over the past few weeks. And each time, it made me want to scream out a reminder.
So instead–while I still have my voice–I propose we create a new international sign, one we can use to tell other drivers to turn on their headlights. Flashing high beams and horn honking are already taken though, so I’m not quite sure what that signal should be. Any suggestions?
Of course, my feelings wouldn’t be hurt if the whole idea was scrapped and we all just pledged to be better drivers. I’d be okay with that, too.
Image courtesy of Bastiaan Car Images.
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