Turn down the lights and save a life

To the editor:

Thank you for shining a light on an increasing problem (Jan. 30, 2015, “Enforce Alaska’s headlight laws”). Hopefully the article increased discussions around the office water cooler and the dinner table with all drivers so we can first self-manage this hazard. With a divided highway the hazard is less noticeable but when one leaves the divided highway — like exiting at the flats to Palmer and a two lane — the hazard is clear.

First thought is to flick ones lights to high beam to encourage the oncoming vehicle to throttle back on the light show but this is not a safe solution. I did witness a vehicle last week that was workable. High beams were a light show but when he clicked on low beams it was the softer warm light that our eyes can manage.

If we take personal responsibility and a genuine concern for the “other guy” we can leave the Alaska State Troopers to more serious community needs. I’ve reduced my exposure by eliminating as much driving at night as possible, but this is not a good solution. If we can’t self-manage then we’ll end up asking our AST to enforce the laws. If the AST can stop vehicles for not having a headlight/tail light or leaving on the high beam, then they should be able to stop them for excessive low beam lights.

I agree, contact your legislator or the Director of AST but with the ongoing budget cut we have a better chance of making our roads safer by each of us taking ownership for fixing the problem. Turn down the lights and save a life.

Don M. Voigt

Palmer