The RAC automotive body out of the UK has warned that modern car headlights are too bright and, as a result, they are dazzling other drivers, which makes them a liability.
The Telegraph reports that 15 per cent of drivers have suffered a near-miss because of the brightness of some new car headlights. In response to an increasing number of complaints, the Department for Transport has established a United Nations working group to understand why car headlights have become too bright. LED lights are thought to be a cause.
Speaking about the potential issues caused by LED headlights, lighting expert from the Quality Light Source Factory, Stephen Dixon, asserts that motorists perceive LED lights as being brighter.
“LED light is more directional. Rather than being big spread of light which comes from a halogen bulb, LED light is more focused. It is also a traditionally brighter light which appears as blue white, hence why it appears brighter in the dark.”
The use of LED lights have been increasingly common in recent years, and they are tested to ensure they light up the road adequately while not dazzling oncoming drivers.
However, RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams asserts that they are a road safety risk.
“Headlight technology has advanced considerably in recent years, but while that may be better for the drivers of those particular vehicles, it is presenting an unwanted, new road safety risk for anyone driving towards them or even trying to pull out at a junction.”
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