Mangalore: Cause for Concern - High Beam Headlights Making Night Driving Risky


Mangalore: Cause for Concern - High Beam Headlights Making Night Driving Risky

Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Jan 16: Night driving or riding on Indian highways is never an easy task even for the most experienced people behind the wheels, but there are some avoidable practices that make it worse.

One of the foremost issues troubling night drivers, apart from poor street lights and potholes, is the use of high beam headlights in some vehicles, which disturbs commuters approaching from the opposite direction.

Recent developments in automotive technology have enhanced drivers' personal comfort levels, but one is tempted to ask, at what cost?

The halogen and projector lights that sometimes come built-in, and sometimes are customized, provide clear view of the road at night, but at the same time can be a nuisance to other commuters. Headlights come in low and high beams, and propriety demands that the latter are to be used only when required. Unfortunately, many a time, drivers often forget to switch over to low beam.

The high beams, with their sharp, pricky and intent rays are not only blinding and harmful to the eyes, but also are an important cause for many accidents. Such lights are most used by buses, trucks and other vehicles, with least concern towards lighter vehicles like bikes. The light momentarily blinds the commuter approaching from the opposite direction, thus making it difficult to find the way. Another point to be noted is that the level of high beam light, in terms of height, is almost equal to the height of the car seat, which means the rays fall directly on to the person's eyes.

Though drivers have the option of using low beam lights, many prefer high beams so as to get a comfortable view of the road. Perhaps, better lighting of roads itself would offer a solution to the problem, though expecting the authorities to light up every road in the state would be a little too much. Rather than wait, it would be better if citizens themselves take the responsibility of making night driving safer for themselves and for others, and use low beam headlights to the maximum. One only needs to put onself in the shoes of the driver approaching from the opposite direction to understand the level of damage one's high beam lights are causing.

Naveen D Padil, a popular figure in the Tulu cinema and drama industry, says that he usually drives home at night after work, sometimes having to travel long distances. "The high beams from vehicles are too disturbing and affect visibility. It is best to slow down to be on the safer side," he said.

Deepak, driver-cum-manager of Laxmi Tours and Travels, says that high beam lights are the worst problem dogging a tourist driver. "Company-fitted high and low beams do not not cause much problem, but when the headlights are customized with HID, projector and halogen bulbs, then it becomes a nuisance," he said.

"The best way to avoid accidents is to slow down and proceed. RTO needs to take stringent steps against such violators, so as to help the night drivers. People using high beams are not concerned about the safety of other drivers. It is only after we switch on to high beams too, that the opposite high beam user switches back to low," he added. 

"The RTO cannot run behind such drivers all the time. It is our duty to see to it that we drive safe and give way and make night driving safe for others. Awareness about this issue is a must," he opined.

Speaking to Daijiworld, T D Nagaraj, traffic inspector, east police station, said that the high beam lights, especially the ones that disturb other drivers are not allowed. "A driver can use a high beam light for his comfort and visibility, but when there is an oncoming vehicle, it is a must to dim his light," he said.

"Cases related to use of high beams are booked less by the traffic department as the lights are used at night and traffic policemen are not on duty. A black strip at the top of the headlamp and a black spot at the centre is a must for heavy vehicles," he added.

"When we find drivers using white or dazzling lights, a spot fine of Rs 100 is imposed, failing which, a court notice is sent. Further details related to the use of headlamps in vehicles can be found under Central Motor Vehicle Rule (CMVR) section 106," he said.

Subhramanya, ACP, traffic east police station, said that the use of dazzling, high beams and other related harmful headlights is a serious issue. "This issue can never be tackled just by registering a case or imposing fines. Awareness is a must for such issues and people themselves need to be aware of the problems caused to the oncoming traffic, and they themselves need to avoid causing harm," he said.

"A special drive to curb this issue will soon undertake, with four teams at different places, headed by the inspector, SIs and ASIs. Apart from lodging cases and imposing fines, measures will be taken to spread awareness," he said.

 

Excepts from Rule 106 under CMVR, 1989

106. Deflection of lights.—(1) No lamp showing a light to the front shall be used on any motor vehicle including construction equipment vehicle (whether fitted with single or dual head lamp) unless such lamp is so constructed, fitted and maintained that the beam of light emitted therefrom.

(2) is permanently deflected downwards to such an extent that it is not capable of dazzling any person whose eye position is,

(A) at a distance of 8 metres from the front of lamp,
(B) at a distance of 0.5 metre to the right side of the lamps, i.e., fitted at right extreme of the vehicle, from the right edge of the lamp, and
(C) at a height of 1.5 metres from the supporting plane of the vehicle:


(2) The provisions of sub-rule (1) shall not apply to any lamp fitted with an electric bulb, if the power of the bulb does not exceed 7 watts and the lamp is fitted with a frosted glass or other material which has the effect of diffusing the light.

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • Jas pal Singh Mann, Morinda,near Chandigarh

    Tue, Dec 01 2015

    High beam illuminate up to 500fts .It goes in high up angle which blind coming driver eyes.Low beam goes up to 350 fits which goes in down angle to illuminate just road and don't blind coming driver. So the law says the driver should come to low beam while coming driver is at500 feet distance and passing that vehicals he can go on high beam if no vehical in front of him within 1000 fts.If the driver is behind another vehical he should come in low beam at a distance of 350 fts.This way his light will not blind the driver in front vehical. The high beam light reflects in his eyes through the Mirrors on his vehical.Any light bulb should not be white and above prescribed lntensitty.The alignment of lights be correct straight.anybody want to talk pls call 098729 48988

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • capt. SIMBLE V THOMAS, Kochi

    Sat, Mar 14 2015

    all your concerns are great and there is an answer for all your problems ,,,please visit www.autodipper.com..

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Damodaran, Payyannur, KERALA, INDIA

    Mon, Apr 28 2014

    This topic is really great. 3 months before, i seen in the internet that High Beam Lights protector is available for sale. At that time, i do not have a car. But before 15 days I bought a car. When I started to drive in the night ( i am in kerala) , i was unable to see the road a head of me. Day before yesterday, the coming truck and my car passed just an inch gap. Then suddenly i traced the High Beam Protector in the Internet, and i could n't locate. The drivers who are using high beam in the night are useless, at least they can dimm the light when they see any vehcile is coming opposite.

    I humbly request the readers to let me know the site name where the High Beam Light Protectors are available or tell me where i can buy that. Please send your valuable information to my email .

    Thank you so, much.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nagesh Shetty, Suratkal/Bangkok

    Fri, Feb 01 2013

    100% wrong driving in a 100% literate city !!
    Using the mobile while driving,Wrong parking,wrong overtaking,Honking unnecessarily,rash and negligient driving....are jus some of the problems besides driving with Full beam on.
    Why cant the Lanes be Marked out? .
    Police should penalise erring Drivers and then Manglore will definitely become a FINE city !

    DisAgree [3] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Muladeva, Bengaluru, Hebbal

    Sun, Mar 23 2014

    I don't understand, why the hell Motor car or bike manufacturers understand this problem. And if we have rules as stated above, then why traffic police is not taking action on the manufacturers in the first place ?

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashley, udupi

    Thu, Jan 24 2013

    T D Nagaraj, traffic inspector, east police station, said that the high beam lights, especially the ones that disturb other drivers are not allowed. "and again he concludes by saying A black strip at the top of the headlamp and a black spot at the centre is a must for heavy vehicles,"yes we all know the cops cant run after the vechiles or difficult to track at night, but atleast they can pratice what they preach during day. everything will fall into place when commomsense prevails in us and the officials.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prashanth, Mangalore

    Sat, Jan 19 2013

    Most Two wheelers and Four wheeler driver's are getting licenses without proper driving tests. This leads to lack of driving knowledge. Frankly to say most of younger generation dont know the use of HIGH BEAM AND LOW BEAM

    DisAgree [4] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chandrashekhar, Kundapura / Basrur

    Thu, Jan 17 2013

    Most of the Indian new cars come up to default 55-60 voltage headlight bulbs. Original bulbs doesn’t give much trouble to front persons/vehicles irrespective of low beam or high beam. But most of experienced night riders do not prefer this low voltage specification. They immediately install new electronic cut-out with different sets wiring which suits to high voltage 90-100 bulbs/extreme bulbs/sort of white halogen to their cars!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • E P Cutinha, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 17 2013

    Is overtaking from the left legal ?

    DisAgree [3] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aloysius, Udupi

    Thu, Jan 17 2013

    The high beam driving is a lack of experience & knowledge while driving in the night. Irrespective whether street lights are there or not the driver must dim his lights while he notices another vehicle approaching from opposite or when another vehicle overtakes him. The full lights should be immidiatly dimmed otherwise this will make the approaching vehicle driver blind for few moments and may lead to an accident.This should be taught or made known to the drivers prior to issuing the driving license

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald D, Udupi

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    As Kiran said, making one way in the highway will reduce this problem. Bright lit street lights like gulf countries will eliminate this problem altogether. We need broad and good quality roads to solve any problem.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Societal Web, Dubai

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    All these discussions and comments are a waste of eveyone's time. Our leaders irrespective any party are totally useless. They worry about how to make a quick buck here and there. We have some (supposed to be )big leaders who are atleast popular (for what, I have no clue) but dont do a damn thing about issues like bright head-lights and deafening horns etc,. They only go in big cars with security and give big talks. USELESS ASSES - supposed to be some LEADERS without a back-bone !

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mark, Udyavara

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    What a realization!

    The root cause of it is that getting a driving license is much easier in India than buying any groceries, I guess. If tom, dick & harry gets his license just going to these so called training centre, it explains it all.

    There is a basic ethical flaw in our very system & culture. Respect for others being is at a loss. Who cares if others are disturbed by my actions - law, society, constitution or justice? When people do not know to drive in lanes, what bothers if headlights are on?

    Indian driving is something out of the world & our regulators are best to stand under the trees than regulating traffic. Behavior pattern needs a big change!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Denis Pinto, Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Our drivers have no common sense. Using of high beam lights, extra loud horns, driving slow in the fast lane, parking and washing of city buses with MCC water by the roadside at night, converting Kankanady maidan into an illegal bus stand etc is crazy. The RTO or the City Traffic Police do not penalise these drivers / vehicle owners.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Juliet Mascarenhas, Bejai/Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Mr. Bhandarkar and MR. Sahil,
    We realy enjoyed the ride sitting in our own seats.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Allen, Bijay

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Rule 106 under CMVR, 1989 is very clear. No lamp showing a light to the front shall be used on any motor vehicle unless such lamp is so constructed and fitted that the beam of light emitted therefrom is permanently deflected downwards to such an extent that it is not capable of dazzling any person whose eye position is at a distance of 8 metres from the front of lamp. If this is the rule I request RTO to ensure to implement it. Meanwhile it may be ensured that all vehicles paint a black dot on the centre of the Headlights or even bottom half of the headlight. This will bring down the headlight related road accidents by atleast 50%. A cut of date to implement this may be announced with directions to the Traffic police to take action against the violators. Alternatively the MCC may grow plants on road dividers so that the light of the oncoming vehicle don't directly hit the eyes.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • SP, Mlore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    I feel that the heading of the above should have been corrected as: Mangalore: Cause for Concern - Bad roads & Lack of Street lights forcing drivers to use High Beam Headlights, Making Night Driving Risky.

    DisAgree Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ahmed, Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    We face this nuisance on the highways in general but, within city also we have such drivers who use dipper lights and moreover some drivers do not even know how does the dim dipper work. This is INDIA.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anilkumar, Managalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Whatever may be the condition of road or whatever may be the reason, one cannot justify driving with high beam. It is dangerous for yourself as well as the incoming vehicle. It is better if one person is blind than both. At least if one of the two drivers dips the light, accident can be avoided.
    Unfortunately, the drivers in India are selfish in all respects, do not follow discipline and slow down the traffic. With even worse road conditions, the traffic can move better if one uses some discipline.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ajith, Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Indian roads are good for bullock carts.Our planners have no vision.They plan not for future 100 years but for last 25 years as far as planning of anything goes.It is like grown up boy trying to fit into his baby shirt

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ted, Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    It is easy to blame people who use High Beam while driving, but is it possible to drive without it , i don't think so. NH66 is like a Death Trap ,with the road widening work on halt and with absolutely no sign boards, u don't wanna enter into a dead end. Most of NH66 is lite with 1900 AD Florescent Tube Technology which produces scattered light and confuses drivers. Considering the current NH 66 condition of poor lighting( Florescent Tube), unfinished road widening work, lack of sign boards, well size potholes, unchecked animals and pedestrians crossing, poor Driving discipline, etc i strongly recommend using High Beams on NH66 only. RTO should first understand the rules of Highway Infrastructure and Driving License Issuance Rules before they start to fine High Beam Drivers who are just trying to save themself and their family because of Poor Infrastructure

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • SAHIL, DUBAI

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Juliet Mai Odle Odle Truck, bus Sodler ani orche kale Two wheeler ani Train, Tumi sangle bari amche minister rail sodche son aant poora Ilesha strict rule keler lokakut bare pole, konak sankche mai ye maka kalanant!! Vehicle pass karche pura odle anadi bare distat!!
    Ratik Drive kartana shirkon padle bari Zatat!
    Kale karche mai vehicle passing kase karta to monon devakoot gotasa!
    Tumchi Comments ar bari weight asat!!!
    Ani kalen mune zaoonk puro ami Ilesha rakya!!!

    Tank you & God Bless You

    DisAgree Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sanjeev Kamath, Udupi / Bahrain

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Headlights in full beam, a huge stone on the accelerator, legs folded on the seat and a couple of patiala pegs are the ways the nocturnal truck drivers successfully transport goods to the destinations!!

    DisAgree Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • G R PRABHU, BEJAI ,MANGALORE

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Our RTO is no use.Our Traffic Police Does not know the Vehicle Rule at all.They know only one thing that is Booking the Vehicle which are entering One Way .Only that much.So far the RTO has not able to control the Horn,then how he can control this High-Beam Headlights. Forget it.

    DisAgree Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • kiran, Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Best & safe solution : Make One-way traffic (or uni-directional traffic) is traffic that moves in a single direction. A one-way street is a street either facilitating only one-way traffic, or designed to direct vehicles to move in one direction.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • JK, Udupi/Dubai

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Good article, whenever I go on vacation, I am scared to drive in the night because of this high beam light problem. some times it is very difficult to judge the road when a vehicle coming in the opposite direction with high beam light.

    DisAgree Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prashanth , Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    I agree with the article, once I was traveling to karkala with my vehicle a express bus was coming from behind as well as opposite direction both were using high beam at one of the places I was terrified I was driving at a edge of the mountain. If I had. moved little further I would have met with fatal accident. I thanked god not travel at night hereafter.

    DisAgree Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar., M

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    If Juliet Mai says then there's certainly a 'Problem'-Correct Mai-Hodle Problem.....
    Maagir Kaalen Naigee-
    Hodle Hodle Light Gaalun-
    Yedrantun Kaalen Yetha Soda-
    Ami Kaalen Sodthaat Kalnaa
    Asheen Pajhitee....
    Laan -Hodle Korunk
    Driveraank Rotti..!

    DisAgree Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mangalore/Mapusa/Mumbai

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    We need to send all our truck drivers and politicians to school......

    DisAgree [4] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mike, KSA

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Indeed it is a dangerous nuisance.

    Rules, regulations, traffic police, fines etc. may not reduce this problem to the desired extent, particularly during the rainy season.

    The road dividers will be the best option to reduce the danger to a great extent, but unfortunately most of our roads are meant for the movement of a single vehicle.

    DisAgree Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nelson Pinto, udupi/oman

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    There is no Dim Dipper, Only Upper !

    DisAgree Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naveen D'souza, Valencia-Kuwait

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    THIS IS A VERY GOOD ARTICAL MYSELF I TOTALLY AGREE WITH EVERYONE. THIS IS I FACED MYSELF DURING MY HOLIDAYS. I USED TO GO MYSORE & BANGALORE, I ALWAYS FACE THIS PROPBLEM. MAINLY BUSES (PRIVATE) AND THE TRUCKS. SHOULD BE TAKE NECESSARY ACTION BY R.T.O.

    DisAgree Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vashal, Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    This is a fundamental need of the hour.Need a strict action.

    DisAgree Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • avani, mlore/uae

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Here in UAE no one needs to use high beam at all because of abundant light from the street lights. Placing properly working street lights which gives enough light in the night throughout the roads is the proper solution for this.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Juliet Mascarenhas, Bejai/Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    I face this problem every day .Hence I fully support this issue.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • GERALD, Modankap

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    THIS IS A GRAVE CONCERN NOWADAYS AS WE ARE FACING NEW HYBRID CARS !! EARLIER THE RTO USED TO PAINT THE HALF PORTION OF THE HEAD LIGHTS NOWADAYS YOU CANT SEE THAT RULE APPLIED TO THE VEHICLES.

    MOST OF THE DRIVERS THEY DONT KNOW HOW TO OPERATE THE LIGHTS AT NIGHT !

    DisAgree Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vijay, Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    still no regulations on the harsh horns used and speed limits for buses/trucks. wish to see one day mangalorean driving will be as disciplined and respectful as in foreign countries. no spitting from buses eating pan and gutka . before people used to smoke on buses now thats stopped.

    DisAgree Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Robin, Byndoor

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Yes. I support this article whole heartedly as I have faced such nuisances.

    I just dream about a road with vehicles completely switched off lights and an enough light from roads to go.... Now cost effective LED lights came. It can be fitted on the sides of road so as to give enough light. Just visibility of vehicles and Radium signal boards in vehicles are sufficient....

    Even if drivers use low beam, in un-even roads (ups & downs) they cause problem to drivers of the opposite side.

    What you say.... ?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dev, Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    The lights of buses are at the same height of 2 wheeler drivers eyes as well. Most of the times they blind us instantly & sometimes like moths we head in the direction of the light un-intensionally if we just look at them, causing accidents which could be fatal most of the times.
    I have noticed when 2 wheeler drivers dazzle their opposite 4 wheeler drivers, they use dimmers, otherwise they continue to blind 2 wheelers all the time.
    Use yellow night driving glasses, which cutout their harsh light while allowing us to see the road & dark objects in our own headlight better.

    DisAgree Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Edward C Maben, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    I drive to and fro from Bangalore to Mangalore on a regular basis. I have noticed the entire system to be wrong. Gas tankers (bullet tankers) are not supposed to be plying at night, they do. The new four lane highway being constructed does not have night reflectors at deviations. Trucks ply on the right hand side of the road.
    Yes agreed the RTO cannot run behind every driver. But its their job. Let them have night vigils on the highways. All they do is sit in thier cushy seats at thier office and make money. If they spend one month on a daily basis, punishing the offenders then everyone will slowly fall in line. But they dont have the will to do it. All they do is give excuses.
    It is not just the high beams that is a bane to the drivers. It is the non implementation of the traffic rules by the RTO and the traffic police and non compliance of rules by the four lane highway construction authorities.

    DisAgree Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Mangalore: Cause for Concern - High Beam Headlights Making Night Driving Risky



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.