But when visibility is compromised, drivers and their passengers are vulnerable to a host of dangers, including inclement weather and aggressive motorists. Many things can affect drivers’ visibility on the road, but those who take a proactive approach to improving their visibility can put themselves in a better position to handle any negative situations that may arise.

One of the ways to do just that is to pay more attention to your headlights. Often overlooked when performing routine vehicle maintenance, headlights must be maintained to ensure optimal visibility for drivers. The following are a few ways drivers can improve the performance of their headlights to make their vehicles safer for themselves and their passengers.

Pay attention to the headlights’ output. Perhaps the most noticeable indicator of an aging headlight is its light output. As bulbs start to dim, drivers may find themselves struggling to see during twilight and at night. That difficulty is not necessarily because drivers’ own vision is failing, but may be a result of aging bulbs whose light output is gradually reduced by the effects of humidity, electrical resistance and filament fatigue. Drivers who notice their headlights are not producing as much light as they once did should know that reduced output is a telltale sign of aging bulbs that need to be replaced.

Say “so long” to the status quo. Recognizing dimming bulbs is just the first step toward improving the performance of your headlights. The next step is for drivers to recognize that all headlight bulbs are not created equal. Instead of replacing existing bulbs with the same type of bulbs provided by their vehicle’s manufacturer, drivers can vastly improve their visibility by upgrading to a bulb designed to provide more light than the standard halogen bulbs found in many of today’s vehicles.

Leading automotive lighting manufacturer Philips produces a range of Upgrade Headlight Bulbs that offer up to 100 percent more light on the road than standard halogen bulbs. That’s a significant benefit to drivers, as motorists’ visual acuity is reduced by 70 percent at night, when statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate 49 percent of all fatal accidents occur.

The NHTSA also notes that the fatality rate per mile driven at night is roughly three times as high as it is during daylight hours.

Find the right fit. The right headlight bulb can dramatically improve visibility when driving at night, but what’s good for the goose is not always good for the gander. That’s because motorists drive for various reasons and on various roads, so the right bulb for seniors who don’t often take to the highways will not necessarily be the best fit for commuters who routinely drive long distances.

Philips makes a headlight bulb for every type of driver, and each Upgrade Headlight Bulb creates a better beam pattern that is dramatically longer than that provided by standard halogen lights, ensuring drivers can safely see no matter how accustomed they are to driving at night.

Let there be light. Regardless of how effective a bulb has the potential to be, drivers who don’t routinely clean their headlights will continue to have their visibility compromised. Certain preventative measures can help drivers address headlight issues before they appear, ensuring their visibility is not compromised.

When checking your oil in the driveway or even when you’re filling up at the gas station, take a few moments to inspect your headlights and address any issues that arise as soon as possible. The Philips Headlight Restoration Kit includes a post-treatment that provides long-lasting UV protection for headlight lenses.

The kit also includes a cleaner/polish and restorer/protector so drivers can restore their headlight lenses to “like new” quality while increasing visibility and reducing glare in as little as 30 minutes.

Such quick and simple maintenance can ensure your headlights are performing optimally. More information is available at www.philips.com/automotive.