In West Virginia and throughout the United States, headlights are usually used only during inclement weather and at night. However, researchers have found that that even during the day turning on headlights makes automobiles more visible, resulting in a reduction of automobile accidents. Many drivers have not been educated on the benefits of using their headlights during the day, and so they may not turn them on.
Only slightly more than a quarter of new vehicles come equipped with daytime running headlights. Still, it will take years to phase out automobiles without this feature. This has led some to consider laws requiring drivers to turn their headlights on at all times.
Interestingly, accidents involving pedestrians, two vehicles, and motorcycles colliding with vehicles coming from the other direction were all reduced by running headlights during the day. This is important since these types of accidents are more likely to cause serious injuries that can sometimes be fatal. The link between increased vehicle visibility and accident reduction has encouraged many European countries to implement laws requiring daytime running lights, leading to a reduction in accidents of more than 37 percent in Denmark.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drivers will spend no more than $40 annually running their headlights at all times. Many consider this price to be low when compared to the impact running headlights has on accidents.
In a situation where an individual is injured in an automobile accident because a driver failed to have headlights on, the victim may be entitled to seek damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other amounts. A personal injury attorney could be of assistance in this regard.