Motorists who switch on their windshield wipers must remember to now also do the same to their headlights because of a new state law.
Starting Jan. 1, Pennsylvania motorists were required by a new traffic safety law to turn on their vehicle's headlights any time windshield wipers are in continuous or intermittent use due to inclement weather or other conditions such as fog or mist.
"Headlights make a difference," said Jay Ofsanik, safety press officer for PennDOT District 12. "I think it's (the new law) going to prevent a lot of accidents."
Ofsanik said that the previous law stated that a motorist must have headlights activated between sunset and sunrise, and the motorist must be responsible to activate the headlights when it's difficult to determine if an object 1,000 feet in front of them is a vehicle or a pedestrian.
The problem with the wording of the previous law occurred in court.
For example, if a motorist didn't use headlights in a rain shower and wound up in an accident, he or she could testify in court that they could clearly see 1,000 feet ahead of them.
Even if a law enforcement agent could have argued against that, it came down to what an individual could see.
"It makes it clear for law enforcement and makes it clear for the motorists," Ofsanik said. "Who can make the call of who can see 1,000 feet ahead of them?"
Those who drive vehicles with daytime running lights won't need to worry about the new law. But others will have to make a conscious effort to flick on the lights each time they put their wipers in motion.
Ignoring the new regulations could result in a fine of $25. PennDOT officials advise, with fees and other associated costs, the penalty for not turning on the low beams when required could add up to nearly $100.
Along with using windshield wipers during any sort of rainfall, Ofsanik said motorists must use their wipers intermittently in foggy areas of the roadway as moisture collects on the windshield.
"It's hard to see a white car while in the fog," Ofsanik said.
