Secunderabad: Campaign highlights blinding effects of high beams on motorists
Hyderabad: It is not uncommon to see traffic police personnel stopping the vehicles as part of drunk-driving checks after dark in the city. However, several drivers who stopped at the red signal at Sangeet X roads in Secunderabad on Saturday did not expect to learn about the potential risks of super-bright headlights.
A team of road safety enthusiasts was seen raising awareness about the improper use of high beams among drivers. As part of the ‘No High Beam’ campaign, the volunteers approached the drivers at the red signal and explained the blinding effects of high beams on fellow motorists and pedestrians. The awareness campaign was a collaboration with Hyderabad traffic police.
The man behind a campaign trying to get the lights better regulated is Naresh Raghavan. explains that many people drive cars on city roads nowadays, but the majority of them are unaware that vehicles are equipped with both high-beam and low-beam (dipper) headlights and how to switch between them.
Naresh was joined by a handful of volunteers who were seen holding the informative posters and interacting with the drivers at the Sangeet X Roads traffic signal. They explained when and how to use the low beams while driving on the city roads.
Sai Koushik, a volunteer of ‘No High Beam’ campaign, said they identified several commuters who fixed cheap LED lights on their vehicles such as auto rickshaws, taxis, public transport buses and also a few ambulances. He hoped the enforcement agencies including RTA Telangana and City Traffic Police would step in and conduct special drives against the use of additional LED fixtures and illegal/imported LED lights in the vehicles.
Use low beams in city.@sai_koushika explaining it’s importance.
Thank you @HYDTP for supporting us. pic.twitter.com/hbLl4kYEwX
— Team Road Squad🚦🚴♀️ (@Team_Road_Squad) December 28, 2024
Using high-beam headlights while driving can significantly improve visibility in low-light or poorly lit conditions, especially on rural or open roads without street lights. However, improper use of high beams can have negative effects:
Glare and Reduced Visibility for Others: High beams can cause temporary blindness or glare for oncoming drivers and those in front of you, leading to potential accidents.
Thank you @TopDriverIndia for the awareness drive on “use of low beams”
You are the initiator of this great thought.@HiHyderabad @HYDTP @CVAnandIPS @swachhhyd pic.twitter.com/6XFeHK6ODU
— Team Road Squad🚦🚴♀️ (@Team_Road_Squad) December 28, 2024
Distraction and Discomfort: The intense brightness may distract or discomfort other road users, including pedestrians.
Proper use involves dimming high beams when other vehicles are nearby to ensure road safety for all users.
“High beams are a major contributor to accidents in many areas, yet they often go unnoticed in CCTV footage during accident investigations. This issue primarily stems from a lack of education and enforcement. Drivers must be educated on the proper use of vehicle lights, while law enforcement needs to take strict action against violations,” Sri Harsha Tulasi, admin at Team Road Squad told Hyderabad Mail.
Traffic police are particularly vulnerable at night, as they are directly exposed to glaring headlights at intersections, making their work even more challenging, Tulasi added.
