Driving Safety and your Headlights

---

First I'd like to ask you a few questions.

1. When you put new tires on your car, do you do it because they look better, or for safety reasons?
   
   
2. When you replace your windshield wipers, do you do it so the wiper arm doesn't scratch the windshield, or for better visibility & safety?
   
   
3. When you have a headlight or taillight bulb go out, do you replace it because it's the law, or so you can see or be seen better by other people?
   
   
4. When you buckle you and your children into their car seat, do you do it because it's the law, or for their protection & safety?

We do things every day without really thinking about the real reason as to why we are doing them. Little (no brainer) things like looking and slowing before we cross an intersection, and letting off the accelerator when we see a potential hazard.
These are just a couple of examples of our automatic reactions; as with the 4 questions above, they are all for our own safety. So what about restoring their headlights?

What I don't understand is why people think it is safe to drive with clouded headlights? Or do they even think about it at all? And if not; Why not?

I mean do people really believe that the light projecting through that dirty lens is the same as if it was a new clear headlight lens?
I just don't know??

I do know that restoring your headlights is well worth the cost compared to the cost of vehicle damage or injury!
What ever the case; here's something to consider about headlights, safety and FL. State Laws.
Florida State Law Requirements for line of site on automotive headlights:

Florida Statutes  316.237 Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.

(a) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 450 feet ahead for all conditions of loading.

(b) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 150 feet ahead; and on a straight level road under any condition of loading none of the high intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.

An object, material, or covering that alters the headlamp’s visibility from at least 450 feet for an uppermost distribution of light or at least 150 feet for a lowermost distribution of light may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a headlamp.

Now, most Florida Law Enforcement Officers will not pull you over, or give you a ticket for oxidized or clouded headlights; However if you are ever involved in a (vehicle to vehicle) or (vehicle to pedestrian) accident, That may seemingly not be your fault; You could still be charged for that accident, and or be sued by the other party involved on the grounds of knowingly opperating a motor vehicle with impaired or distorted headlights.
Remember: “Ignorance is no excuse for the Law” to an Officer's eyes as well as the courts!
Published by Scott Summerson