Is AHO (Automatic Headlamp On) effective for Bangladesh?

Technology has now become blessings for our mankind and with the flow of time technology is developing. For example we all are familiar with the headlights of two wheelers and three wheelers but modern technology has discovered one kind of technology or system for the headlights, which can ensure a great safety. That system is the headlamp will not be shut down until the engine does. That’s what we are calling Automatic Headlamp ON (AHO) feature. Headlight will get ‘ON’ as soon as the engine is started and there is no switch to turn off the Head Light. Recently we are acquainted with AHO from India; from 2017 every two wheelers will contain this feature in India. Because of this feature others can easily recognize your vehicle position in foggy / dusty environment condition and may reduce the number of accidents. This technology has been a feature in European countries since 2003. Nowadays this technology is spreading in many countries like India, Bangladesh and other Asian country. In recent times Yamaha launched Yamaha FZS-fi 2017 version and they put this automatic headlamp on system in it. With this motorcycle this technology entered to Bangladesh. Like Yamaha other manufacturers are on it to upgrade their technology for the headlamp. Now question is that, is AHO necessary for Bangladesh? Let’s go to the discussion, it will help you to know about the real fact.

What is AHO?
Most two wheelers manufacturers stated that Automatic Headlight On system is called AHO which is start with the engine. Most importantly there is no headlight turn off button available in the system. Light will automatically turn on with the engine and only high beam and low beam option is given with indicator light.





Why AHO?
This technology is mainly for safety and followed in many international countries. It does play vital role to prevent the accident. Though it has controversy to keep the headlight on all day long but it is very useful in fogy country. Generally in winter season roads and highways cover with snow as well as light does not remain sufficient to watch clearly at the road. AHO is very useful in that condition. Otherwise, in European country high drivers drive fast that made difficult for them to indentify two wheelers. Therefore two wheelers do keep the headlights on to make clear their existence in the road. This system is very useful during sunset, sunrise, cloudy day as well as fogy day. AHO is very useful in winter base country.





Is DRL can be the alternative of AHO?
As the alternative of AHO numerous bike manufacturers have also put in DRL (Day-time Running Lights) on their motorcycle headlights. This is basically a small, but fairly piece of light that remain on in day time and give signal to other vehicles. Unlike AHO this system does not generate too much light because of having small Led lights but has good enough power to make sufficient brightness to clear the existence. DRL also reduce the passer on battery as well as engine.

What about AHO on older bikes?
If the government and the ministry for road and transport give permission than AHO technology will be compulsory for motorbikes. Now the strange thing is what the older bikes and scooters will do without AHO, because newer bikes with AHO will be beaming all around. it’s a safety feature that’s why bikes and scooters without AHO technology is recommend to keep the headlamps lighted up at all times.

What are the disadvantages of AHO?
Every new thing which is for the betterment of humanity contains some disadvantages. AHO can ensure almost the highest percentage of safety on roads for the two wheelers but few problems are also there

Impact on Battery: AHO has impact on battery; it does create force on battery and reduce the working ability. Nowadays, manufacturers are using high power battery in modern motorcycle and scooters that has ability to take the passer.

Impact on Environment: AHO technology could be one of the reasons of global warming. If thousand of bikers keep the head light turn on in the day time then surrounding environment temperature will automatically rise up and make difficult to live.


Impact on Engine performance: On the other hand always turning on the headlamp will cause battery failure, extra load on the engine and because of that reduction of mileage etc. that’s why manufacturers should build alternatives which will save the engine before they set up AHO.

Impact on other sides: In terms of using AHO in every motorcycle manufacturers must redesign the headlamp shape and spreading system in one design. Several designs of AHO lamps can be irritating at traffics and busy roads. It could be dangerous for the driver.




Is AHO is needed for Bangladesh?
AHO is mainly made for the winter base countries where weather maximum times remain cloudy and fogy during day time and most of the time big size vehicles usefully ride in the roads and highways. Due to have vague view lorry drivers do not identify the two wheelers. In country like Bangladesh, where winter hardly remain in full mood for one or weeks, vehicles are usually does not run in speed due to rough roads and highways as well as get clear view up to 1 KM. AHO is still a Big Question to use In Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, maximum Engine capacity is 150 cc and most using segment is 100 cc and 150 cc. Maximum engine power do use in speed generate and other activities here it will be difficult to lightning up a high voltage bulb of 35 watts. It may cause serious impact on battery as well as increase the fuel cost.

Temperature of Bangladesh is increasing day by day, in this critical situation if lace of motorcycles keep the light turn on all time then you may get idea what will come next. Especially in the crowded city, it will be burn out condition.

In final, according to our opinion, AHO system is not required at our country but it could be matter of extra safety elements. It would be better to use DRL in spite of AHO. Mainly we need to concentrate on traffic rules and regulation as well as need to improve roads and highways condition. As a rider we also need to be conscious about riding and follow the roads and highways rules of drive. That will bring more safe roads and reduce the chance of accident in big numbers.