How should the bus headlights be assessed during inspection?

During pre-trip inspections, it is essential to assess the bus headlights for proper alignment and functionality. This is crucial for ensuring maximum visibility and safety while driving, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions. Proper alignment of headlights ensures that they illuminate the road adequately without blinding oncoming drivers, which can cause dangerous situations.

Functional headlights are vital for communication with other road users. If headlights are not working correctly, it could lead to reduced visibility for the driver and increase the risk of accidents. Regularly checking both alignment and functionality helps maintain the safety standards required for the bus operation.

The other choices do not encompass the complete requirements for a thorough assessment of headlights during the inspection. Simply checking for brightness does not account for alignment, which could render the brightness ineffective in a practical driving scenario. Replacing headlights annually, regardless of condition, is both unnecessary and costly since properly maintained headlights could last significantly longer. Lastly, cleaning headlights only when they appear foggy ignores proactive maintenance that can prevent visibility issues before they arise, ensuring safety at all times.