A Call for Caution: The Dangers of Motorcycle Riders Using Full Lights at Night
By Onayiga Azeez
As the number of motorcycles continues to rise on our roads, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, the need for responsible and safety-conscious riding practices becomes more urgent. One common and dangerous habit that many riders are guilty of is raising their full (high beam) lights at night, even when facing oncoming traffic. While this may seem like a way to improve personal visibility, it is a serious hazard that puts the lives of other road users at risk.
When a motorcycle rider uses high beams at night and faces another rider or even a vehicle from the opposite direction, the intense light temporarily blinds the oncoming driver. This obstructs their view, reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of head-on collisions. In crowded or dimly lit roads, this mistake has led to countless avoidable accidents and near-death situations.
Let it be clear: raising your full light at night while facing oncoming traffic is irresponsible and dangerous. This is a public appeal to all riders engaging in this act. You are endangering not only yourself but also the lives of fellow road users. If caught, appropriate penalties should be applied, and I urge local traffic authorities to begin strict enforcement in this area.
The consequences of misusing headlights include:
Fatal accidents due to poor visibility for oncoming riders.
Injury to pedestrians and passengers who are caught in the resulting confusion.
Property damage from avoidable crashes.
Legal consequences and possible license suspension for repeat offenders.
Loss of livelihood, particularly for commercial riders who rely on their bikes daily.
To enhance a safer riding environment, here are additional safety measures every motorcycle rider should observe:
1. Use Dip Light Appropriately: When approaching oncoming traffic at night, switch to low/dip beam. It’s courteous and, more importantly, safe.
2. Wear Reflective Gear: Reflective vests or jackets make you more visible at night and during bad weather.
3. Regularly Maintain Your Bike: Ensure your brakes, tires, lights, and horn are in good working condition. A poorly maintained bike is an accident waiting to happen.
4. Avoid Phone Use While Riding: Distractions can cost lives. Pull over if you must take a call or check a message.
5. Obey Speed Limits: Reckless speeding, especially in populated areas, has been a leading cause of fatal crashes.
6. Stay Alert in Bad Weather: Rain, fog, or poor lighting calls for extra caution. Reduce speed and increase alertness.
7. Do Not Carry Excess Passengers or Load: Overloading your motorcycle reduces balance and manoeuvrability.
8. Take Breaks When Tired: Fatigue slows reaction time. If you’re feeling tired, stop and rest.
Conclusively, motorcycling can be a safe and efficient means of transport when proper measures are taken. However, careless habits like using high beams improperly can have deadly consequences. I hope this serves as both a warning and a reminder: your safety and that of others depend on your actions.
Let’s ride responsibly. Let’s save lives.
