OSRAM Night Breaker
Safety on night-time roads: Check list
Despite the relatively small number of vehicles on the roads at night, accident statistics show that in Germany almost 50 percent of all fatal accidents happen at night.
On night-time journeys it is particular important to maintain concentration, have a good overall view of the road and see obstacles in good time. A check list helps make "unpopular" night-time driving more relaxed and safer.
Check your lights:
Before every journey you should quickly check that your headlights are working properly - particularly if the journey is around dusk or dawn. Many drivers fail to do this. In a garage you can easily check your headlights by their reflection off the garage wall.
Make sure your headlights are correctly adjusted:
The height of the beam can generally be adjusted from inside the vehicle. You should check the alignment of the headlights whenever the balance of the vehicle is changed. This Is the case for example when you have several passengers, heavy luggage or you are towing a trailer. If the vehicle sits lower on the road because of excessive weight you should set the headlights higher to improve their throw. If the vehicle has too much weight over the rear axle the headlights should be set lower to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Important: Don't forget to reset the headlights to their normal position.
Adjust the rear view mirror:
On night-time journeys you should do everything to avoid being dazzled by vehicles behind you. It Is quite easy to be dazzled by traffic behind you in your rear view mirror and driver-side mirror, particularly if the headlights in the vehicle behind are set too high. This can be very annoying. If this is the case you should flip the rear view mirror to reduce glare.
Perform a complete light test
It is best to have all the lights on your vehicle tested once a year. Your headlights may seem to be in perfect working order but this is often an optical illusion. In 2005 in the annual Lights Test run by the German Association for Motor Trades and Repairs and supported by OSRAM, 39 percent of the vehicles tested in Germany failed because of one or more defects. Such a test provides a degree of protection against accidents.
Have your eyes tested:
Even if you do not wear spectacles it is best to have your eyes tested regularly. If you find driving at night particularly stressful there may be a hitherto undetected problem with your eyesight.
Check your windshield wipers:
If the wipers are not sitting firmly on the windshield there will be a buildup of residue which will make the light of oncoming traffic even more dazzling. If your view is badly Impaired by streaking it is best to fit a new pair of blades. And even if it is raining you should still use windshield wash to keep the windshield clean.
Carry a flashlight with you:
You should always have a flashIight In the vehicle. If you ever need to leave your vehicle because of a breakdown, accident or whatever you can use the flashlight to attract attention and be seen by passing drivers. And of course you must always have a warning triangle and hi-vis jacket with you.
Press contact:
OSRAM
Nadine Kleinert
Tel: +49-89-6213-3769
Fax: +49-89-6213-3457
Email: n.kleinert@osram.com