Dim those bright lights

Based on the frequency of vehicle accidents being reported, it appears as though there are a number of drivers flouting road regulations.

There are more recent regulations related to seatbelts, cellphones and window-tinting, but what seems particularly problematic is the failure to dim headlights during night-time driving.

It would be interesting to find out if there are any specific regulations related to the dimming of headlights at night. It is most uncomfortable when approaching traffic to have extremely dazzling headlights blinding one’s eyesight.

Research shows that in the city of Toronto, Canada, regulations require that drivers dim to low beam within 300 metres of an approaching vehicle and within 150 metres following a preceding vehicle.

In the state of New York, the driver of a motor vehicle must dim to low beam whenever within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle and within 200 feet of a vehicle that is ahead.

It would be useful if the Traffic Department of the Royal Barbados Police Force clarifies whether or not there are regulations related to the dimming of headlights at night and encourage motorists to practise the habit.

It would also be helpful if something is done about the extremely bright headlights now in vogue.

– MICHAEL RAY

EDITOR’S NOTE: In the last SATURDAY SUN, head of the police’s Traffic Division, Assistant Superintendent Roland Stanford, said the requirements for headlamps were outlined in Regulations 22 – 8, paragraphs A and B in the 1984 Road Traffic Regulations.

“If a person is driving on his main beam, then on the approach of other vehicles he should dim his lights. If he fails to do so, he commits an offence of driving without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road,” Stanford said.