Media Release 20 May 2013
Motorists switched on for darker nights on the roads
As the shorter days of winter approach, the Motor Trade Association (MTA) says the majority of drivers are using their
headlights appropriately – although a number are placing themselves, and other road-users, at risk.
In a roadside survey of more than 1,000 vehicles conducted last week, MTA staff found almost 5 percent of motorists were
improperly using their headlights for the conditions. These vehicles had a fault with one or more of their headlights,
had park lights (position lights) only on, or most worryingly, had no lights on at all.
Motorists are required by law to use their headlights during the ‘official hours of darkness’: from 30 minutes after
sunset to 30 minutes before the next sunrise, or at any other time when you can't clearly see a person or vehicle 100
metres away.
For many drivers though, the periods leading up to or immediately following the time of actual darkness provide the
biggest challenge, MTA spokesman Hamish Stuart says. During these periods it is not easy or practical for drivers to
determine when it is ‘officially’ dark; most rely on common sense to tell them when they need to have their headlights
on.
“The problem is though, that for most of the time in New Zealand, these lead-up periods fall across the peak traffic
times of 7.00 – 9.00am and 5.00 – 7.00pm. Certainly in our quick study, we saw the highest levels of non-compliance just
before it was officially dark. Unsurprisingly the highest number of injury accidents occurs on our roads during these
periods,” Stuart says.
With the likelihood of poorer visibility increasing as we approach winter, MTA says all drivers need to ensure their
lights are working properly, and that they turn them on.
“Parking or position lights are there for just that purpose – only use them when your vehicle is stationary. If you are
on the road, do all you can to ensure other road users, including pedestrians, can see you and you can see them,” he
says.
“It’s much better to have other road users remarking you having your lights on earlier in the day than not – they’re
talking because they see you. It’s the cars people don’t see that cause the crashes.”
Vehicles surveyed 15 May Wellington – 5.27pm – 5.57pm (15 minutes prior to and 15 minutes after the official start of
darkness). Visibility was less than 100 metres at that time.
Total vehicles surveyed1,063Fully compliant1,01195.1%Non compliant524.9%Park-lights (position lights) only on191.8%At least one headlight not working171.6%No lights on at all161.5%
The Ministry of Transport has further information on incidence of traffic accidents according to the time of the day: http://www.transport.govt.nz/research/MotorVehicleCrashesinNewZealand2011/
ENDS