Thiruvananthapuram: Misconceptions high on bikes with Automatic Headlights On

Thiruvananthapuram: All manufacturers will compulsorily have the Automatic Headlights On (AHO) feature on new models launched after April 1. However, misconceptions are high among both users and law enforcers, say experts as well as dealers of two-wheelers that already have AHO. AHO is a traditional headlamp which will glow once the engine starts, but is not a separate unit unlike Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). Dealers say that many buyers have a misconception that headlights affect mileage.

Also, law enforcers equate AHO with dangerous speeds. Malayalee ‘good samaritans’ have the habit of warning and stopping riders with AHOs. “During my four kilometre journey to office at least five people show signals to switch off my light. I am learning to ignore them,” said Mahesh RS who purchased a new bike.
Traffic safety experts claim that AHO would increase pedestrian safety. “Most of the pedestrians killed on the road are elderly ones and accidents mostly happen at dawn or dusk. People in rural area keep headlights off fearing reduced mileage and end up crashing. So AHO will be a game changer in India. We have several drivers with poor vision on the roads,” said Mr Upendra Narayan.

AHOs have been compulsory installed on bikes in Europe since 2003 and was first used in Scandinavian countries. However, unlike sports bike and cruisers in Europe, Indian bikes are low torque commuter bikes. “Indian bikes also need AHO because they illegally overtake from the left. Car drivers can notice them easily on the left mirror,” he added. Owners of performance bikes which already have AHOs claim they are being persecuted by law enforcers now.

“Traffic cops stop my bike with AHO asking why I am speeding. Once, I educated a cop on AHO, and he challaned me still for Rs 100. When I questioned him, he kept his hands closer to the engine and said it was too hot because I might have been speeding. They just ignore the fact that sports bikes generate more heat in traffic,” said Vishnu Das, a rider. Joint Transport Commissioner Rajeev Puthalath said that the existing two-wheeler owners without AHO also were legally allowed to switch on lights whenever they pleased.