Sir: A couple of days ago I was driving my car late at night along the Lahore Canal. Everything was going well until my vision was suddenly pierced by lights as bright as the sun. For a moment, I was certain the angel of death had arrived to take away my soul. I soon realized that it was just a car equipped with high beam lights driving towards me. The lights were so bright, I couldn’t see the road in front of me. I knew if I kept going straight, I would collide with the other car, so I took a chance and turned left. I promptly collided with a tree. While no harm came to me, the same couldn’t be said for my car. It will be spending some days at the work shop for denting and painting. Upon arriving home I decided to do some research on the legality of high beam lights and whether I’m the only one who has been effected by this road hazard. Upon some research, I found that many other drivers have been in the same situation as myself. DIG National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) Central Zone Farhan Baig has stated that these lights are a common cause of accidents on the highway as they blind drivers and traffic in both lanes. These Lights are usually found on larger vehicles, and used to establish dominance over other drivers. They’re particularly good for “making way on the highway”. To my surprise, these lights are actually banned but lately I’ve witnessed a rise in cars equipped with these lights. The reason may be inaction by the police. But is it necessary that this nuisance be enforced by the police? Cant we simply show each other some courtesy on the road? All this requires is some common sense and understanding that one’s actions can cost the other his life. It is the lack of basic driving etiquettes and road safety awareness that is responsible for the use of these high beam lights. There need to be mandatory driving lessons along with a theory driving safety test before driving licenses are issued to anyone. Apart from this, the car must also go through a test to ensure it is fit to go on to the roads. This situation is leading to many accidents and needs to be looked into immediately. The problem can be curbed by creating awareness in regards to the issue, a nationwide campaign to inform drivers of the dangers of High beam lights and which headlights ought to be used. It is also important that cars that are being manufactured should come with light adjustment switches, so that those vehicle owners who need high beam lights occasionally don’t have to use them all the time. The Traffic Police should be given more authority so they can administer strict action against road traffic rules violators. As responsible individuals and drivers we should care for other drivers. These Lights are a nuisance and we should refrain from using them. ZAHRA KHAN Via E-mail Published in Daily Times, January 24th 2018.