The Motor Vehicle Lighting Council, a U.S. advocacy consortium of lighting suppliers and vendors, say the limited visibility drivers face in the dark, snowy winter is a factor in about 2.8 million crashes, 23,000 fatal crashes and 2,300 pedestrian deaths per year in the United States.
Clean and clear windscreens and windows, effective wipers and properly-functioning lights, especially headlights, are effective countermeasures. This seems obvious, but headlights don’t seem to get enough attention; the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association Car Care Council found that 26% of cars they checked had issues with their lighting. Particularly in North America and other places without periodic vehicle roadworthiness inspections, it’s crucial that drivers be taught the need to ensure their lights are all working, clean, and properly aimed.
