Technology can help extend the life of your lights

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Mar 25, 2015, 05:20 ET

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., March 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- MS -- Technology is changing the way we drive and, in many ways, making today's highways more safe. While automotive gadgets like built-in WiFi or backup cameras may be the first amenities to grab our attention, new developments in lighting technology are enhancing driver visibility and making it safer to hit the open road.

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Many auto manufacturers still use standard incandescent bulbs in their vehicles. But advanced lighting that's more befitting of today's technological standards can make it easier for drivers to see and be seen by fellow motorists. Vision LED Lights from leading automotive lighting manufacturer Philips employ cutting edge LED technology to deliver better and more dynamic lighting for applications such as brake and taillights, back up lights, side markers, fog lights, and license plate lights. Guaranteed for up to 12 years, Philips Vision LED Lights are highly resistant to extreme heat and vibration, meaning drivers are very likely to replace their vehicle long before they ever need to worry about replacing their LED lights.

The right lighting can vastly improve driver visibility and safety and prove a wise investment for drivers who want to see the road better while making themselves more visible to other motorists. In addition to upgrading their vehicles' lighting, drivers can take the following steps to ensure they're seeing the road ahead of them as clearly as possible.

Get vision checkups. A standard ophthalmic exam is a series of tests conducted to check an individual's vision and the health of his or her eyes. The National Institutes of Health note that the frequency of such tests depends on an individual's age, but drivers should know that they should get screened more frequently as they age, and the NIH notes that drivers who wear contact lenses need yearly eye exams. Drivers who suspect their vision might be making it harder for them to see when behind the wheel should schedule an ophthalmic exam immediately.

Take steps to improve your reaction time and that of your fellow motorists. Personal reaction time also can influence how drivers see the road and how quickly they react to potentially negative driving conditions. Making sure you get enough sleep and exercise can increase alertness and improve your reaction time. In addition, the choices you make when upgrading your vehicle can improve the reaction time of your fellow drivers. For example, Philips Vision LEDs' instant-on response make sure brake lights come on the moment you apply the brake, instantly alerting other drivers should you be forced to make a sudden stop. That instant response time can reduce braking distance by up to 20 feet, even at speeds as high as 75 miles per hour.

Prioritize complete vehicle maintenance. No vehicle maintenance routine is complete unless it includes regular cleaning of headlight lenses, sideview mirrors and interior glass and mirrors. Dirty mirrors and glass compromises driver vision, so be sure to periodically remove any debris or film buildup on such surfaces.

More information is available at www.philips.com/visionled.

SOURCE Philips Automotive