Parking Light: A Good Back Up for Everyone's Safety

Anthony Fontanelle
January 15, 2008

The lighting system is an important safety feature of every vehicle most especially at night and in low visibility conditions. Several kinds of lights are installed in a vehicle, each doing its specific function. Although the use of most vehicle lighting devices is mandated by federal laws, others are optional like the parking light. This lighting component keeps the car safe by letting other drivers know when the car is either parked on the side of the road or in an unusual spot.

Also known as the parking lamp, the parking light is used to indicate when a vehicle is not in use. The parking light lets other drivers know that the person driving a vehicle is looking for a parking space. This lighting device can also be used to inform the vehicle leaving a parking space that an oncoming vehicle intends to be the next occupant. The parking light is usually independent from other lighting components. However, it serves as a backup when one of the headlights suddenly fails. This makes it easier for oncoming drivers to find out that a car, not a motorcycle, is approaching because the glow of the parking light is more noticeable to oncoming drivers even with only one headlight.

In the past, the parking light was used to provide illumination when parking a vehicle because streetlights and off road parking were uncommon at that time. Parking cars in a dark area or road without a marker or signs of its presence is dangerous for both the vehicle and other drivers. The function of parking light has changed over time. This is due to broader roads that allow street parking without posing danger to driving lanes and more street lights that guide drivers at night. Today, parking lights are used as markers to make cars visible at night or in poor visibility conditions especially from the side view. The use of markers has been compulsory since the late 1960s to improve and promote road safety. There are brand new cars and trucks equipped with parking lights at the front end of the vehicle. The front parking light is typically situated beside the headlights. Some are located on the bumpers or fenders of a vehicle. Others are found at a vehicle’s tail end, which are called rear end parking lights. These kinds of lights make the vehicle more noticeable at the back or at the side area.

Source:  Amazines.com