Ask a Trooper: Turn On Those Headlights, Computer Scam

First let me say thank you for such a warm welcome to being the new columnist for Ask A Trooper, several have sent kind and encouraging messages.  Sgt. Thompson will be a tough act to follow but I will do my best.  I look forward each week to hopefully providing useful information to each of you.

When should headlights be turned on?

Dave Iwanski, from Livingston County, sent an eMail asking when motor vehicles are to drive with their lights activated. 

The answer is found in MCL 257.684 which states as follows, “Every vehicle upon a highway within this state at any time from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise and at any other time when there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices as hereinafter respectively required for different classes of vehicles,”.   It goes on further to state “When lighted lamps and illuminated devices are required by law no vehicle shall be operated upon any highway of this state with only the parking lights illuminated on the front of the vehicle.”

It is always a good idea when visibility is low, when it starts to get dark, whether it is the half hour after sunset or before sunrise to have your headlights activated.  We have to remember that even though low lighting may not be bothering us, we want to maintain our visibility to others.  People may not notice our vehicle driving if our headlights are off.  Remember to fix headlights when broken or when they become burned out.  The light not being admitted by the headlight will make things more difficult for you to see and again other drivers may not see you coming.    

It is also always a good idea when going for a walk, jog, family stroll, or bike ride to wear bright reflective clothing.  Make yourself visible to other people on the roadway.  This will help to prevent accidents.

I have been a Trooper for thirteen years now and I can honestly say I have pulled over several people for driving with their headlights off.  I have never pulled someone over for driving with their headlights turned on.

Beware of computer scam

We have received several calls regarding a computer scam.  Individuals will receive a false computer message from the Department of Homeland Security.  The person’s computer will freeze and they will not be able to operate their computer.  The message will state the individual has been linked to terrorists or illegal internet site(s) and needs to call a telephone number and pay a fine in order to have their computer unfrozen.  Don’t call or pay any money. 

What has happened is the individual has received an email with an attachment or opened an internet site which released a malicious software program, also known as malware.  If this has happened to you, you will probably need to have your computer serviced by a reputable computer repair company.

Ask a Trooper

If you have a questions or comments please email them to askatrooper12@gmail.com, or mail them to Ask A Trooper, Michigan State Police – Brighton Post, 4337 Buno Road, Brighton, MI  48116.