Can you recall that feeling when a massive eighteen-wheeler zooms by on the highway, rattling your little trailer? And once it roars past, you notice the rows of red lights across the back. Those are rear combination lamps (RCLs) that might save your life.
Let’s explore what RCLs are for trucks and their benefits for commercial vehicles.
How can rear combination lamps make trucks safer on the road?
RCLs are more than just brake lights. They combine many types of illumination elements in one set. For truckers, rear combination lamps provide the necessary lighting to operate a vehicle in reverse and alert other drivers to where they are intended to go and how massive their trucks are. This is extremely important for a number of reasons.
Enhanced conspicuousness
Bright and noticeable, RCLs can be seen from far away, even in poor weather conditions. This lets other motorists prepare for your vehicle movements and know what you’re doing on the road. To this end, rear combination lamps can:
- Immediately warn other drivers when you are slowing down or stopping
- Emit light to the back of your vehicle so that others can see you from a distance
- Provide an obvious visual cue about which direction you intend to go
- Signal others that your vehicle is disabled or you are loading/unloading
For these purposes, rear combination lamps that use LEDs are recommended. They add more visibility and safety potential to your truck’s illumination system for reasons we’ll discuss below.
Fast-forward to the key takeaway: RCLs that use LEDs produce brighter light as the intense beam cuts through the darkness, rain, and fog much more effectively than other automotive bulbs.
Increased safety
Truck owners or fleet managers should be deeply invested in implementing something that minimizes accident risks. The improved visibility and signaling provided by rear combination lamps make driving safer for all road users. Their LEDs and reflective components are eye-catching, which is great for warding off rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and other accidents that could cause injuries.
RCLs also allow other drivers to pass or change lanes near the vehicle safely. This works under at-night driving conditions and during heavy rain, storm, snow, or fog.
Extended performance
LED bulbs commonly used in rear combination lamps can last multiple times longer than other automotive fixtures. Their housings are made to handle the elements, while sealed solutions prevent moisture from entering and damaging internal components. Since LEDs deteriorate slowly over time, the light output remains consistent for the life of the lamp.
How to choose rear combination lamps for your truck
You will need to narrow down options based on your vehicle’s make, model, and year to ensure the best fit. Then, measure your existing lamps and housings to determine the perfect size. For the safest option, settle on RCLs that meet all signaling standards for brightness and visibility in your country.
Investing in certified and compliant rear combination lamps will let you know you’ve got the lighting to lead the way for your safety and fleet efficiency.
