A headlight going out is a common occurrence for many drivers. In fact, some may not think much of it when it happens. However, there are several risks to driving with a broken headlight. If you have a light out, here are some things to keep in mind about how it can impact your driving.
Decreased Depth Perception
One of the most dangerous things about driving with a broken headlight is that it can negatively impact your depth perception. With a light out, you only have half the visibility you normally have. Not only does this mean that you may not be able to see certain hazards on the road, but your depth perception will be off. Other vehicles and anything else on the road may seem further away then they really are.
This can be true even if you are driving during dusk and it isn’t completely dark yet. Gray skies and rainy weather can also impact how well you are able to see if you only have one 2005 Toyota Camry headlight bulb working.
Lowered Visibility of Your Car
Making sure that your car is clearly visible is another thing you need to keep in mind when it comes to road safety. Having two working headlights helps with the awareness of your vehicle, preventing other drivers from running into you. If you have one light out, your vehicle is less noticeable and more likely to be hit.
Taking care of headlight restoration is particularly important if you frequently drive on highways, where driving speeds are higher. The faster that you and others are driving, the more dangerous a potential collision becomes.
High Risk of Ticket
Another reason it is important to repair a broken headlight as soon as possible is that you are at high risk for a ticket. Most states have regulations that require drivers to have two working headlights. In some situations, an officer may simply give you a warning and ask that you have it fixed.
However, if you continue to drive with a broken headlight for an extended period of time, you are more likely to get fined instead.
Additionally, if you were to become involved in an auto accident with only one working headlight, you may be more likely to be found at fault because you were not properly maintaining your vehicle.
A ticket or an accident because of a broken headlight can be costly, so in the long run it is much cheaper to get a headlight restoration kit and fix the issue.
A Few Last Words on Driving with A Broken Headlight
A vehicle’s headlights can go out for a variety of reasons, and it may not seem like a big deal. The reality, though, is there can be consequences. for driving with a broken headlight. By fixing the issue as soon as you notice it, you can ensure that you are taking good care of your car. If your car is one-eyed at night, look into getting a repair kit to keep you and others safe on the road.