Question

Government of India has mandated a safety feature called "Automotive Headlights On" (AHO) in 2-wheelers. According to this, the vehicle headlight needs to remain perpetually in the ON mode when the vehicle is running and cannot be turned off even during the day. Which option best explains the reason for this mandate?

• A. People do not turn their headlights ON while driving at night.
• B. With the headlights ON, the pedestrians and oncoming vehicle drivers can notice the vehicle more easily.
• C. With the headlights ON, the vehicle rider can see the pedestrians much more clearly.
• D. It is a fancy feature that will enhance the aesthetics of the vehicle.

Hint:

Remember the safety principle: "See and be seen." Nighttime headlights are for the driver to "see." Daytime Running Lights (DRLs/AHO) are for the driver to "be seen."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The AHO (Automotive Headlights On) feature is also known as Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). The question asks for the primary reason behind making this feature mandatory for 2-wheelers.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The main purpose of DRLs is not to help the rider see the road better, but to help \textit{other road users see the vehicle} better, especially during daylight hours.
- Increased Conspicuity: Two-wheelers are smaller and have a narrower profile than cars, making them less visible. A lit headlight makes the vehicle stand out against the background clutter of the road, in varying light conditions (like dawn, dusk, or overcast weather), and in the shadows.
- Safety Studies: Numerous international studies have shown that DRLs significantly reduce the number of multi-vehicle daytime accidents, particularly for motorcycles. Let's evaluate the options based on this concept:
- A: AHO is a daytime feature. The problem of people not using headlights at night is a separate issue addressed by different traffic laws.
- B: This correctly states the primary safety benefit. By making the 2-wheeler more conspicuous, other drivers and pedestrians can detect it earlier and more reliably, reducing the chances of a collision.
- C: During the day, the ambient sunlight is far more powerful than a vehicle's headlight. The headlight does not significantly illuminate the path ahead for the rider or make pedestrians more visible to the rider.
- D: While some DRL designs are aesthetically pleasing, the mandate is based on proven safety benefits, not on enhancing the vehicle's appearance.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The mandate for AHO in 2-wheelers is a safety measure intended to increase the vehicle's visibility to other road users, thereby reducing accident rates.