Mangaluru: A delegation from the Ullal zone committee of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) construction workers’ wing has urged Mangaluru city traffic police and the senior regional transport officer (RTO) to take strict action against the use of high-intensity LED headlights and excessively bright vehicle lights.
The delegation submitted a memorandum to the authorities, highlighting concerns over the growing use of powerful LED headlights and indiscriminate use of high beams, which they said create severe glare for motorists travelling in the opposite direction at night.
Excessive glare increasing accident risk
Construction Workers District Treasurer Yogesh Jeppinamogaru said the intense glare from improperly fitted or excessively bright headlights can temporarily impair the vision of oncoming drivers.
He said vehicle headlights in the past generally had suitable shade or cover mechanisms that helped prevent direct exposure of strong light to motorists travelling in the opposite direction.
However, the practice of installing extremely bright LED lights and using high beams without consideration for other road users has become increasingly common, he said.
According to Yogesh, sudden exposure to intense glare can temporarily blind motorists and make it difficult for them to judge the road, approaching vehicles and pedestrians. Such situations can create particularly dangerous conditions on roads during night-time travel.
Construction workers among those at risk
The delegation stressed that the issue directly affects thousands of workers who travel home after completing their shifts.
Construction labourers and other workers frequently commute on two-wheelers, with many returning home during late evening or night hours. The union said these workers are particularly vulnerable when they encounter vehicles approaching with powerful headlights or high beams.
The sudden glare can make it difficult for two-wheeler riders to maintain their line of travel and identify obstacles, according to the delegation.
The CITU representatives therefore urged authorities to treat excessive headlight glare as a road-safety issue rather than merely a vehicle-compliance concern.
Inspection of headlights sought
In its memorandum, the union called for restrictions on the use of high-intensity LED lights that cause excessive glare to other road users.
It also urged authorities to take steps to curb the unnecessary use of high beams, particularly in situations where vehicles are approaching from the opposite direction.
The delegation sought regular inspections of vehicle headlight fittings to check whether they comply with applicable requirements. It also called for checks on beam alignment to ensure that headlights are properly adjusted and do not shine directly into the eyes of oncoming motorists.
The union said enforcement against inappropriate lighting would help improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents during night-time travel.
Officials assure delegation of action
Yogesh said officials assured the delegation that the concerns raised in the memorandum would be reviewed and that appropriate action would be taken.
The delegation included Ullal taluk Construction Workers Association president Janardhan Kuthar, secretary Chandrahas Pilar, treasurer Rohidas Batnagar and vice-presidents Ramachandra Pajir, among others.
The union has urged the traffic police and transport authorities to follow up on the issue through inspections and enforcement measures to improve night-time road safety for motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders.