'Don’t keep other drivers in the dark!’ NCT warns of dangers of a blown bulb

The National Car Test (NCT) has warned that when drivers see a car behind them with a single headlight, you might be fooled into thinking it's a motorbike, but it may be "a badly maintained car" 

They have advised that to help other road users, that drivers should make sure that they check the lights on their car regularly and get blown bulbs replaced immediately. 

A blown bulb will result in an immediate failure of an NCT test. 

NCT inspectors advise that prior to a test, car owners should get help from a friend of family member to go around the vehicle and make sure that all bulbs are illuminating correctly. 

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The lights that the NCT highlights as being critical that they are working are the from sidelights, the front dipped beam, the front main beam, plus taillights, brake lights, fog lights, reversing lights, all indicator bulbs, and even the illumination for the rear license plate. 

Blown bulbs not only create confusion for other road users, but it also creates significant safety risks for the driver of the car as well. 

A single blown headlight can reduce visibility, making it harder to see the road and other drivers to see you, potentially leading to accidents, especially in low-light conditions. 

 Similarly, faulty brake lights reduce the reaction time for drivers behind you, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.  

Driving with a blown bulb can result in fine in a fixed fine of €60.