With so many pedestrian fatalities in South Africa, it remains important for all road users to “Be Visible and Be Seen”. For pedestrians, the best advice would be to wear reflective or brightly coloured clothing. For motorists, it is important to have the best possible vision via their headlamps and view through their windscreens.
But how do we check our headlights and who can assist us in ensuring that our lights are both legal and safe? We approached the experts from OSRAM with a few questions on checking and testing our Headlights:
When a client has his lights and bulbs tested, would it include headlights as well as brake lights and turn signal lights?
It is against the law not to have all vehicle lights working. Check them frequently, especially before a night journey. We would recommend having all your lights tested by a professional at least twice a year.
While there’s 60 per cent less traffic on the road at night, up to 40 per cent of traffic fatalities take place in the dark. While there are plenty of factors that can increase the possibility of an accident at night, poor visibility is one of them. If you’re driving at night, it’s incredibly important that you have well-functioning lights. You need both high and low beams working properly to help ensure safety.
How are the headlights tested in a controlled environment?
As part of a comprehensive auto-testing program, headlight performance is measured by using a combination of lab measurements and outdoor testing.
The first step is to align the lights using a computerized laser system in a dedicated indoor lab. Not unlike checking the aim of headlights against a garage door, the advanced system uses computer software and lasers to assist technicians in placing the headlights precisely in the middle of their allowable alignment range.
Why is It best to have an expert technician check your light bulbs?
Having an expert check your vehicle's lights often ensures that special care is taken. Holding the bulb in the wrong spaces or not fitting it correctly can reduce the lifespan.
When a simple error is done by an inexperienced person, you risk any warranty that would come with the globe as well as shorten the lifespan of the globe.
What are the most common "do it yourself" mistakes vehicle owners to do when testing lights?
The most common mistake, in my opinion, would be setting the globe too high. It’s important to know how to test your lights.
Professionals have special equipment to make sure your lights are set correctly so they do not hurt the eyes of drivers passing by.
Are there prescribed measurements/distances that lights should be visible?
Every headlamp emitting a dipped-beam of light which, when projected onto a vertical screen, shows a symmetrical light-pattern or does not have a diagonal and horizontal cut-off line, shall be so adjusted and maintained that when the motor vehicle is on a reasonably level road, the centre of the intense part of the beam shall slant downwards to strike the road surface ahead of the motor vehicle within a distance not exceeding 45 metres.
What are your suggestions on how a vehicle owner can test the visibility of his lights at his home?
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Park your vehicle near an unobstructed plastered wall. Switch the low beam lights on.
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Inspect the light intensity on the wall from outside the vehicle and ensure are both equally bright.
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Ensure both light projections are at the same lumen and height level.
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Thereafter, repeat steps for the high beam lights.
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Ensure the headlight covers are clear and have no obstruction.
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For the best Light testing result, also consult a professional.
A kind word of appreciation to OSRAM for the assistance rendered.
Also view:
Lighting, Head Lamps and Spot Lights on Vehicles and Rules of the Road
Driving at Night
Driving Lights On
Lighting and Safe Driving
Additional Headlamps and Fitment for Safety on the Roads