Hyderabadis refuse to use low beam while driving, despite repeated warnings
Hyderabad: Hyderabadis refuse to dip the headlights of cars at night, caring little if they blind each other. It’s common courtesy to use the dipper so that high beam headlights don’t dangerously blind the driver of the car going in the opposite direction, but courtesy is not something Indian car drivers can be bothered with.
Traffic policeman Srinivas N. says, “We have tried telling the public but they refuse to listen to our instructions. Despite repeated warnings, many people purchase brighter lights. It is basic courtesy to use low beam lights so as not to harm the driver of the vehicle coming from the opposite side.”
A rule had been instituted earlier to paint half of each headlight in order to reduce the blinding effect, but this is no longer in effect. Citizens were also asked to put stickers on top of their headlights to reduce the glare.
K. Venkata Ramana, the district transport officer of Secunderabad, says, “The earlier rule was discontinued after the advanced new headlight system came in that can control the beam, and also to encourage the use of dippers. However, it is not being used and people continue to misuse the high beam lights. Making alterations to lights and making it brighter or bigger is against the law.”
Officials from the transport department say that more drivers have been using high beam lights in the rainy season for increased visibility. Citizens complain that the rain and the condition of the roads and dim street lights make it necessary to use high beam headlights.
Vinod Kanumala, founder of the Indian Federation of Road Safety, says it is understandable that citizens use these headlights because of the poor street light system, “but it is not the right way to combat the problem. Enforcement of the rule is also difficult. Although the law states that '100 fine can be charged for flouting the rule of not using high beam lights in cities, it is never charged.”
Lohitha N., a resident of Lakadikapul says, “Every night when I travel back from office, it is literally a battle to keep my eyes open. I follow the law of driving with low beam headlights and people should follow the same. If they keep thinking that the other person is not doing it, we will never improve. It is a matter of grave concern, especially in sharp left and right turnings. If you momentarily cannot focus on the road, it will surely lead to accidents.”
Traffic policemen have also been instructed to check on drivers of heavy duty vehicles who use strings of coloured light bulbs to decorate their vehicles.
