(LOOTPRESS) – An increasing number of motorists are struggling with the glare of modern car headlights while driving at night.
Some may wonder if their eyesight is to blame, but in most cases, the issue lies with the headlights themselves.
Newer vehicle models feature significantly brighter lights, which can create road safety challenges.
The Rise of Brighter Headlights
In the past, vehicles primarily used halogen headlights, which emitted a softer yellow glow.
Today, many cars are equipped with Light-Emitting Diode (LED) or High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights. These lights are much brighter and have a bluish-white hue, which can contribute to glare.
LED headlights last longer and are more energy-efficient than halogen bulbs. HID headlights, also known as “xenon” lights, are even more intense, producing a range of colors from yellow to indigo.
These advancements have made headlights more powerful, but they have also increased the risk of blinding other drivers.
Legal Limits on Headlight Brightness
The U.S. Department of Transportation sets legal limits for headlight brightness, which must range between 500 and 3,000 candelas.
A candela measures the intensity of light in a specific direction, whereas lumens measure total light output. Despite these regulations, the shift to LED and HID headlights has led to increased complaints about glare.
Why Are Brighter Headlights More Common?
According to Business Insider, headlight regulations have not changed in decades, but the technology has advanced.
Automakers favor LED headlights because they cast a broader pattern and consume less power.
Many car owners also prefer them for their modern appearance.
The problem is especially noticeable in larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks, which have headlights positioned higher off the ground. This height difference can intensify the impact of glare on drivers in smaller cars.
Safety Concerns and Potential Solutions
Brighter headlights can improve visibility for the driver using them, but they can be dangerously blinding for oncoming traffic.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) takes headlight glare into account when rating vehicle safety.
One potential solution is adaptive driving beam technology, which has been in use in Europe since 2012. These headlights automatically adjust their brightness to reduce glare for other drivers.
Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approved adaptive driving beams for use in the U.S. in 2022, automakers have been slow to implement them.
The Connection to Car Accidents
While it is difficult to determine exactly how many accidents result from blinding headlights, glare is a known safety hazard.
Studies have found that overly bright lights can make it harder for drivers to recognize objects, including pedestrians.
In the UK, government data shows that blinding headlights have contributed to an average of 280 crashes per year since 2013, including about six fatalities annually.
In the U.S., roughly half of all fatal car crashes and 75% of pedestrian deaths occur at night, highlighting the potential dangers of poor nighttime visibility.
Tips for Dealing With Bright Headlights
For drivers struggling with intense headlights on the road, here are some tips to reduce the impact:
- Keep your windshield clean: Dirt and grime can amplify glare.
- Adjust your headlights: Properly aligned headlights reduce glare for both you and others.
- Look away: If an oncoming car’s headlights are too bright, glance toward the right side of the road to minimize the effect.
- Wear protective eyewear: Special night-driving glasses can help reduce glare. Consult an eye doctor for recommendations.
While regulatory changes and new technology may eventually make nighttime driving safer, for now, motorists must take extra precautions to protect themselves from the growing issue of blinding headlights.
