Truckers Tips

Trucker’s Tip / Inside Info: Headlights

Low beam headlights provide 250’ of visibility. High beams increase the visibility to 500’. New Halogen lights increase that distance by approximately 30% at both low and high beam levels. This is why newer cars always appear to have their ‘bright lights’ on. As a trucker…Thanks a lot; now I can go blind without stupidity or ill-intent of on-coming cars!

Many (but not all) states require headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in use. It is my opinion that this should be mandatory. I know you have been angered by the spray coming off our trucks when you pass us in the rain, even if it’s just drizzling. It makes it difficult for you to see during a critical period. Well, you should know that without your lights on, you also disappear from our view.

I wish everyone would understand that not having your lights on, is not saving energy or helping the planet. As a matter of fact, it requires a lot of energy to dispose of a totaled car!

I have been in thick fog; snow caused ‘white-out’ conditions and absolutely pouring rain with several cars not using their headlights. It doesn’t make sense! It’s not that, in some lesser conditions, your headlights increase your ability to see farther; it is that your headlights increase the ability to be seen from farther away!

The distance from which you can be seen is absolutely critical around big trucks. Large blocks of time and distance are required to complete or stop a maneuver. None of us, especially truckers, like to hear of tragic pile-ups in snow or fog. At the same time, it trips my anger to come up behind someone in foul weather without their lights on. Tail-lights are even smaller and must be on to be seen.

I think the same recycle bin that is holding common sense has also grabbed hold of courtesy. It doesn’t take much and even a little is greatly appreciated. If you want to share some of my experience; simply put your face at eye-level about 3’ in front of your car and turn your high beams on. I have 160 square inches of mirror sitting 3’ off my left shoulder and get to see retina searing spots every time a car passes with his/her bright lights on.  If I’m lucky there is not a car in front of me for next 500’ to 1000’ feet before I can see clearly again.