Here’s a startling observation for you.

Drivers not using their headlights or taillights after dark are causing accidents. A lot of them.

Duh.

It is a phenomenon that is increasing at an alarming rate. It is illegal in all states to drive without headlights on after dark, but like the speed limit, drivers view this as a suggestion rather than a law.

Just as disturbing is the number of drivers who do not use their headlights during rainstorms, another law.

Like most everything else that goes wrong this day and time no one wants to blame the drivers. The news media points to lighted instrument panels and running lights on newer models as the culprits.

In the old days, the instrument panel would not light up unless the headlights were turned on. That has changed with instrument panels lit no matter how bright the day is.

On newer cars running lights are always on giving the driver a false sense of being able to see.

All of the arguments that vehicles are the problem omit one glaring stumbling block. As the driver of a vehicle, particularly on a dark highway, how do you not have trouble seeing the road ahead? My headlights weren’t doing the job and I brought my car in for service. I was told the headlights needed to be realigned. What a relief I wasn’t going blinder than I already am. It just took a mechanical solution.

The roads are dangerous enough with drivers refusing to obey speed limit laws, driving under the influence, and failing to stop at redlights or obey stop signs, especially four-way and three-way stop signs. Having been “T-boned” in Nashville twice over the years by drivers refusing to yield at red lights at intersections I always hesitate a second or two before continuing on my way.

Ask any law enforcement officer and they are going to tell you driving after dark with your headlights off is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do on the road. And what amazes me the most is the darker the color of the vehicle the more likely the headlights are going to be off at night.

Here’s another news flash. When your headlights are off your taillights aren’t working either, making it difficult for other drivers to see you in front of them.

Most of us, before we turn on the ignition, use our seatbelts, which had to be mandated by law. It has become a habit for most of us. My car reminds me loudly when a seatbelt is not fastened.

So how about adding another habit to your driving routine? Check to see if you have turned on your headlights. It will only take a second or two and that brief time could have an effect on someone’s lifetime, maybe even yours.