Skip to main content

Car Accidents

Daytime Headlight Usage Can Decrease Car Accident Risks

Posted Sep 04, 2020 by Matt Boulton

Did you know that every U.S. state has specific laws about vehicle headlight usage?

For example, Indiana requires drivers to have their headlights on from sunset to sunrise and when visibility is less than 500 feet. The Hoosier state also insists that drivers’ headlights be one of two colors: white or amber.

However, instead of memorizing each state’s headlight laws, it may be easier and safer to simply leave your headlights on whenever you are behind the wheel.

Does Daytime Headlight Usage Make Cars More Visible?

The short answer is yes. A number of daytime headlight usage studies have indicated that “daytime running lights” may be responsible for a 5-10% reduction in car accidents during daylight hours.

Headlight usage during the day not only helps during bad daytime weather or fog, but it also makes us more visible to other cars, trucks, and pedestrians during conditions that are entirely clear.

Now, it should be noted that daytime running lights are different than a vehicle’s standard headlight beams. Daytime running lights are a low-wattage headlight safety feature designed to automatically turn on with each start of the vehicle, no matter the time of day or conditions.

Talk to Attorney Matt Boulton Today

Schedule your free case consultation with one of Indiana’s most experienced personal injury attorneys

Free Case Review

However, if it has been proven that the daytime running lights feature is making roads safer, it would stand to reason that the use of traditional headlights during daylight hours also makes us more visible and less likely to be involved in a car accident.

And for those who might be worried about the financial cost of using their headlights at all times, there is good news. The National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration estimated the cost of permanent headlight usage to be between $3 – $40, depending on the vehicle’s model.

Given the financial impact and physical toll a traumatic car accident can have on a person, the simple act of turning on your headlights is more than worth the cost of occasionally replacing a bulb.

Types of Accidents Reduced by Daytime Headlights

Reduced visibility is a common factor associated with numerous car and truck accidents. By using your vehicle’s headlights at all times, you may lessen your risk of being involved in the following types of collisions:

  • Head-on collisions – These types of daytime collisions can be more common on some of Indiana’s narrow two-lane roads or in areas where tree coverage reduces sunlight, such as the heavily wooded areas throughout southern Indiana, like Bloomington and Brown County.
  • Intersection collisions – Our office has investigated a number of intersection collisions in which the at-fault driver stated that they simply “did not see the other driver.” It may sound strange, but it happens.
  • Driveway accidents – In these accidents, a driver is backing out of their driveway and fails to see an oncoming vehicle. This puts both vehicles in jeopardy of being involved in a serious t-bone collision.
  • Motorcycle accidents – Due to their size, motorcycles are exceptionally difficult to see. We strongly recommend that motorcyclists practice permanent headlight usage whenever on their bikes.

Ongoing education about daytime headlight usage is essential to increasing road safety. No matter where you live, or what your state laws mandate, using daytime headlights makes you more visible to others and has the potential to decrease your risk of being involved in a serious crash.

What Are Your Rights After a Daytime Car Accident?

If you or a loved one were injured in a daytime car accident, we recommend that you request a consultation from an Indiana personal injury attorney.

An experienced attorney who focuses exclusively on Indiana accident law can help to inform you of your legal rights, next steps, and any deadlines associated with your potential claim.

Attorney Matt Boulton has more than 20 years’ experience helping injured Hoosiers recover compensation following a serious accident. In addition to his track-record of positive outcomes, victims throughout the state have sought Matt’s services due to the firm’s reputation for treating clients like family.

Boulton Law Group offers all Indiana accident victims a Zero Fee Guarantee. This promise helps to ensure everyone has equal access to experienced legal representation.

If you have questions about a daytime accident, you can reach Matt directly by calling 317-350-2680.

If you prefer to write to us with your story, you can use our free confidential contact form. Matt personally reviews each web contact received by our firm.

We look forward to hearing from you and learning how we might be able to help!

Matt Boulton

Author Matt Boulton

Attorney Matt Boulton is an award-winning personal injury attorney with more than 25 years of experience helping seriously injured people throughout Indiana. He designed his firm for the client who expects exceptional service and passionate, successful legal representation.

Related Articles