How headlights got brighter, whiter, and more blinding after dark
Modern automotive headlights have become significantly brighter and whiter, improving visibility for drivers but often causing blinding glare for oncoming traffic. The article traces the historical evolution of headlights from early oil lanterns to today's powerful systems, highlighting the trade-offs in their development.
Why it matters
The increasing intensity of headlights poses a significant safety concern for drivers, potentially contributing to accidents due to temporary blindness. This issue represents an ongoing challenge for automotive lighting regulations and design, impacting road safety globally.
too many lumens How headlights got brighter, whiter, and more blinding after dark Automotive lights are better than they’ve ever been, but there’s a trade-off.
28 Headlights need to illuminate the road ahead for drivers, but not at the expense of everyone else. Credit: IIHS Headlights need to illuminate the road ahead for drivers, but not at the expense of everyone else. Credit: IIHS Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Every so often, I’ll be piloting some sensor-laden, software-defined press car down a dark stretch of highway when an oncoming driver’s high beams arrive like a targeted retinal strike, an involuntary reminder that modern automotive lighting has entered its own lumen arms race.
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