A Case Study: An autorickshaw driver was hired for a trip of about 100 km from his base location. The journey started around 11 AM to attend a ring ceremony. They reached the destination by afternoon and joined in the celebration. In the evening, around 7 PM, they decided to return home as the driver had school duty the next day. The elders advised them to stay the night there because it was not safe to travel at night. However, despite their concerns, they politely declined and decided to travel anyway, completely unaware of the crucial role of brake lights in ensuring safety on the road, especially during nighttime journeys
The journey back was on National Highway NH16. Initially, the autorickshaw driver faced the glare from oncoming heavy vehicles’ headlights, making it difficult to see. A young passenger sat with the driver in the front seat. Consequently, the driver asked the young man to keep an eye out for the taillights of the vehicles ahead and alert him to stop or slow, as the autorickshaw’s single low-positioned headlight was insufficient for nighttime driving.
Despite these difficulties, the driver covered nearly 80 km with the young passenger’s support. However, as they neared their hometown, an old truck loaded with cement was ahead. Unfortunately, the truck’s taillights were not working due to poor maintenance and were covered by cement dust.
Suddenly, the truck driver applied the brakes to avoid a calf on the road. As a result, neither the autorickshaw driver nor the young passenger anticipated the truck’s sudden stop. The autorickshaw collided with the truck’s rear, resulting in fatal injuries for all passengers, including the driver. This incident could have been avoided if the truck’s taillights had functioned properly. Ultimately, the role of brake lights is crucial in preventing such accidents by providing essential warnings to drivers behind.
This is an incident story in India; daily there is the same type of incident happening due to the brake light.
The Importance of Tail Lights:-
- Saves lives
- Prevent accidents
- Illuminate when the brakes are applied
- Warn your intentions to other road users to slow or stop.
- Assists in poor adverse weather conditions (in rain, fog, or snow).
- Reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Reduces stopping distance
- Important in night and low visibility conditions
- Mandatory safety features in vehicles
Why Brake Lights are Not Functioning Properly on Indian Roads:-
- Lack of enforcement
- Poor maintenance
- Older or outdated vehicles
- Costly for repairing
- Lack of awareness.
- Block overloaded vehicles.
- Tamper the brake lights to avoid fines
- Not clean ,properly maintained
What is the root cause from this case study?
Is there danger in night driving on Indian roads?
Is the functionality of brake lights?
Drive safe, and stay safe!
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