Final answer:
Headlights on your car should be used during low-light conditions, including nighttime, dusk to dawn, and specifically from one half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise for safety reasons. In an accident during a full moon, a claim of being blinded by the Moon is unlikely but should be investigated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of headlights on your car is mandated for various conditions to ensure safety on the roads. One common requirement is to use headlights during times when natural light is insufficient to clearly see the road ahead. This typically includes nighttime hours, dusk to dawn, and may specifically be mandated for the period from one half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise. These times are chosen to ensure that drivers can see and be seen during the low-light conditions of early morning and evening, as well as throughout the night.
Regarding the scenario involving a car accident and the full moon, it's unlikely that the Moon would cause significant visual impairment to a driver since it doesn't produce intense light like the Sun. However, certain atmospheric conditions might amplify the brightness, so the claim should be investigated rather than immediately dismissed.
In essence, headlights help compensate for the lack of light during twilight and nighttime hours when the Sun is below the horizon. Astronomers define twilight based on the Sun's position relative to the horizon, and these astronomical conditions dictate when headlights become crucial for safe driving.