Turn Signals + Headlamps : A dangerous combo?

Amsdoc · 19th June 2020, 18:48

As many have previously mentioned, the problem is people driving on high beam at all times in India. It really irritates me. Instead of the making a constant beep at more than 80kph compulsory, they should have made auto dipping headlights compulsory. Will stop more accidents than the speed warning.

wheeledwanderer · 20th June 2020, 10:53

Many manufacturers such as Jeep, Audi, VW, Range Rover have this unique feature where the headlights turn off when the indicator is switched ON.

low_rider · 21st June 2020, 00:04

This is a very serious problem. People think that the other driver has seen their indicators but they fail to realise that their high beams prevent others from seeing the indicators.

As a matter of practice I always dip my headlights when the indicator is switched on.

In this age of cheap electronic features, I don't think it would cost the manufactures much to incorporate this.

Leem · 22nd June 2020, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheeledwanderer

Many manufacturers such as Jeep, Audi, VW, Range Rover have this unique feature where the headlights turn off when the indicator is switched ON.

In case of DRL and turn signal operation, it is a regulatory requirement that DRL has to either switch off or go to POSITION (less brighter ) MODE.
This is applicable with both DRL and FTI is realized with same optics or when they are very closely situated.

setuniket · 3rd September 2020, 09:57

Its actually quite simple, on a two lane road, the car turning right(even when indicating) has to give way to the car on opposite lane. The right of way is of the vehicle on its lane and has to be given priority. Merely indicating would not override this right of way of the vehicle in the lane.

Whether or not the indicator is visible to the vehicle approaching is not quite relevant as the vehicle turning right has to give way.

Rule 15 of CMVR, 1989 is quite detailed in this regard; the person ignoring such basics of driving should never have been issued a driving licence.

OTOH some of the cars now offer ORVM mounted indicators which are prominently visible and ideally the indicators should be bright enough to be visible from the sides, especially when negotiating a crossing where there is no traffic light or the light is not functional.

arijit_chat2006 · 8th September 2020, 16:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nithesh_M

If you are unable to differentiate between a blinking turn signal and a headlight beam within the same housing on a 2 lane road, chances are you were travelling faster than the speed limit on that road. That or some kind of colorblindness.

Is there no wing mirror lights or front fender lights you could spot?

This has happened with me as well on more than one occasion in the last ~13 years or so. When this happened for the first time, I ignored it, thinking that I must have been unmindful. However, when the incident repeated itself (not very frequent), I reached my destination, and decided to go over the course of events that had happened. When I gave it more serious thoughts, I realized that on all those occasions, the sun-rays were at such an angle that no other light could be seen when traveling towards that car from the opposite direction. And these were during different times of the day, on different roads.

On all other instances I have to admit that I am, or should I say, was, fast enough to notice the turn signals.

Not sure, if anyone else has faced a similar situation like me above, or was it just me?

benvsben · 8th September 2020, 17:15

Victim here. Always during the night. Most of the times from dusk till dawn. Sometimes in broad daylight.

I get to wonder is it the bulb? Colour of the bulb? Enclosure /Assy? Colour of the enclosure /assy? Engineer /Designer at Vehicle /Brand’s HQ?

Worldchamp 2019 · 8th September 2020, 17:24

Yes the turn indicators on some models will not be seen blinking if the high beams are on. It's not the manufacturer's fault. High beams should NEVER be used if there is an oncoming vehicle in front. Most people here drive with high beams on permanently not realizing that they are blinding others or realizing but not really caring. The attitude that prevails is if everyone is blinding me then I'll also leave my high beams on. Two wrongs making a right.

19th June 2020, 18:48	#46
Amsdoc BHPian Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Pune Posts: 164 Thanked: 302 Times	Re: Turn Signals + Headlamps : A dangerous combo? As many have previously mentioned, the problem is people driving on high beam at all times in India. It really irritates me. Instead of the making a constant beep at more than 80kph compulsory, they should have made auto dipping headlights compulsory. Will stop more accidents than the speed warning.
	(1) Thanks

20th June 2020, 10:53	#47
wheeledwanderer BHPian Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Dubai/Coorg Posts: 104 Thanked: 253 Times	Re: Turn Signals + Headlamps : A dangerous combo? Many manufacturers such as Jeep, Audi, VW, Range Rover have this unique feature where the headlights turn off when the indicator is switched ON. Attached Thumbnails
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21st June 2020, 00:04	#48
low_rider BHPian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 183 Thanked: 384 Times	Re: Turn Signals + Headlamps : A dangerous combo? This is a very serious problem. People think that the other driver has seen their indicators but they fail to realise that their high beams prevent others from seeing the indicators. As a matter of practice I always dip my headlights when the indicator is switched on. In this age of cheap electronic features, I don't think it would cost the manufactures much to incorporate this.
	() Thanks

3rd September 2020, 09:57	#50
setuniket BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Noida\|New Delhi Posts: 241 Thanked: 311 Times	Re: Turn Signals + Headlamps : A dangerous combo? Its actually quite simple, on a two lane road, the car turning right(even when indicating) has to give way to the car on opposite lane. The right of way is of the vehicle on its lane and has to be given priority. Merely indicating would not override this right of way of the vehicle in the lane. Whether or not the indicator is visible to the vehicle approaching is not quite relevant as the vehicle turning right has to give way. Rule 15 of CMVR, 1989 is quite detailed in this regard; the person ignoring such basics of driving should never have been issued a driving licence. OTOH some of the cars now offer ORVM mounted indicators which are prominently visible and ideally the indicators should be bright enough to be visible from the sides, especially when negotiating a crossing where there is no traffic light or the light is not functional. Last edited by Chetan_Rao : 8th September 2020 at 16:59. Reason: Correction in second paragraph: Vehicle turning right has to 'give' way.
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8th September 2020, 17:15	#52
benvsben BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pondicherry Posts: 46 Thanked: 29 Times	Re: Turn Signals + Headlamps : A dangerous combo? Victim here. Always during the night. Most of the times from dusk till dawn. Sometimes in broad daylight. I get to wonder is it the bulb? Colour of the bulb? Enclosure /Assy? Colour of the enclosure /assy? Engineer /Designer at Vehicle /Brand’s HQ?
	() Thanks

8th September 2020, 17:24	#53
Worldchamp 2019 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 64 Thanked: 72 Times	Re: Turn Signals + Headlamps : A dangerous combo? Yes the turn indicators on some models will not be seen blinking if the high beams are on. It's not the manufacturer's fault. High beams should NEVER be used if there is an oncoming vehicle in front. Most people here drive with high beams on permanently not realizing that they are blinding others or realizing but not really caring. The attitude that prevails is if everyone is blinding me then I'll also leave my high beams on. Two wrongs making a right.
	() Thanks