(1) The time from sunset to sunrise;
(2) At any other time when, due to insufficient natural light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons, vehicles, and substantial objects on the highway are not discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead;
(3) At any time when the windshield wipers of the vehicle are in use because of precipitation on the windshield.
No motor vehicle, during any time specified in this section, shall be operated upon a street or highway within this state using only parking lights as illumination.
Safe vehicle operation is challenging under the best of circumstances. Critical considerations include:
Avoidance of personal performance eroding factors
Fatigue, use of alcohol or any drug (to include over the counter products) with side effects that could decrease perception or reaction.
Compensation for roadway conditions
Keep in mind that speed limits are calculated for pristine surfaces. Speed must be adjusted whenever conditions deteriorate.
Maintaining vehicle systems as the manufacturer intended
Even the most gifted driver’s ability is of questionable value if the vehicle is unable respond to their inputs as expected.
Making your vehicle visually conspicuous while enhancing your ability to see hazards in time to react to them benefits you, your passengers and those you share the road with. This is especially true when precipitation negatively impacts braking distances. Be safe out there!
About the Author