Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can I wait a few months to pursue a personal injury claim?”
Vehicle safety is of utmost importance. Through the years, many changes have been made to the laws and requirements of vehicles in order to improve performance and safety. It is essential to see as well as possible while driving at night or in inclement conditions. Many improvements to headlights have occurred through the years but only now has the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approved the use of adaptive beam headlights. These headlights have already been approved for use in other countries but were not allowed in the United States.
Headlights have been a part of motor vehicles almost since day one. The first headlamps were difficult to use because there was no electricity and no batteries. Instead, the lamps were optional and were run by acetylene. By the middle of the 20th century, reflective headlights were the norm and are still one of the common types used today. Vehicles included two beams — high and low, that could be used to help navigate in low light situations. In 1967, federal safety standards did not allow high and low beams to be used at the same time. Ironically, that outdated rule is the same one that prohibited the use of adaptive beam headlights.
What are Adaptive Beam Headlights?
Smart adaptive headlights are special headlights that provide better illumination than other types of headlights. They provide excellent light without the glare that is typical of many headlights. Glare can make it difficult for many people to drive at night and may contribute to temporary visual impairment. Adaptive beam headlights utilize computer technology to aim headlights in specific directions as noted by the computer sensors. The light increases in areas that are particularly dark and could be difficult to see. As a result, adaptive beam headlights are considered to be much safer than standard headlights and could prevent or reduce vehicle accidents and injuries. They are also considered much safer for other drivers since they do not pose a risk of unnecessary glare.
Amendment to FMVSS 108
The major infrastructure bill that was approved late last year includes a revision to the headlight law known as FMVSS 108. The new change allows for the use of adaptive headlights, which were previously illegal. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the change with a press release on their website. The NHTSA states that the use of adaptive driving beam headlights will improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The rule applies to new vehicles manufactured after the change. It is notable that these headlights have been utilized in other countries for some years, especially by some of the high-end car manufacturers.
Safety Improvements
As technology continues to advance, car makers continue to add more safety features that are meant to make driving safer for everyone. Unfortunately, there are still many accidents that occur on our roadways. Although most accidents are minor, some are serious and result in severe injuries or fatalities. The negligent party is responsible for paying for any damages that result, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you or someone you love was hurt in a vehicle accident, we can help. Call (704) 370-2828 to receive a video, phone or in-person consultation with our lawyers to explore your legal options or fill out our contact form. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and Monroe.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2004-title49-vol5/xml/CFR-2004-title49-vol5-sec571-108.xml
Image Credit:
https://www.freeimages.com/photo/sports-car-closeup-1562000
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