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Panel hears bill to require headlights when wipers are on or in fog to reduce crashes
Summary
Representative Darcy Edwards told the Senate Judiciary Committee that House Bill 25 22 would require drivers to use headlights whenever windshield wipers operate or in fog; witnesses cited research showing headlight use reduces crashes and urged passage as a public-safety measure.
The Senate Judiciary Committee reopened a public hearing April 24 on House Bill 25 22, which would require drivers to use headlights when windshield wipers are in operation or when there is fog.
Representative Darcy Edwards, sponsor of the bill, told the committee that stretches of rural highways in her district—roads with low lighting and long distances between towns—are especially hazardous in rain, fog or low light and that requiring headlights is a simple, practical safety measure.
Why it matters: Supporters said headlights improve a vehicle’s visibility to others and can significantly reduce crash risk in low‑visibility conditions.
Key testimony and evidence
Edwards described constituent reports and cited research submitted with testimony: a Lighting Research Center (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) study submitted to the committee showed a roughly 7% reduction in crashes when daytime headlights are used and reductions approaching 30% in rainy conditions around dawn/dusk. Edwards said the study and other existing laws in many states informed the bill’s drafting.
Edwards said headlights’ primary safety value is making vehicles more visible to others and that low‑beam headlights are most effective in fog, spray and low light.
Implementation and record
Committee staff summarized the bill’s text as requiring use of headlights when windshield wipers operate or when fog reduces visibility. Representative Ed Evans had previously sponsored similar language; his office indicated written testimony would be submitted to the record.
Ending
The committee heard the testimony and closed the public hearing on HB 25 22 after invited testimony was submitted; no formal votes were taken during the session.
