It used to be if an approaching vehicle’s headlights were on the bright setting, it was nearly always readily apparent. Now headlight glare seems to be an epidemic.
Well, the AAA article I just saw was marginally helpful, noting among other things that today’s LED (light emitting diode) lamps produce a bluer light that human eyes do not prefer, that their own studies have not found a problem, and managed to get a jab in to older drivers, blaming them because of the loss of the ability to recover from glare over time.
I despise that particular explanation, being in the “older” group, but the fact is that I’ve been seeing this problem grow for twenty years!
Meanwhile, the primary issues are these, and I’d bet anything that you’d agree: newer headlights are brighter, period, and they are frankly placed and pointed poorly! The competition for bigger and bigger cars results in too many vehicles whose headlights are far too high in reference to other vehicles.
And we’ve all experienced and approaching vehicle that is climbing an incline, which results in their headlights pointing into the eyes of oncoming traffic.
LEDs are supposed to be an improvement because they use multiple bulbs which can be pointed individually. And auto adjustment systems exist that respond to other criteria: why not a change in drive angle?
The best news is that there is actually an online petition from the Soft Lights Foundation that asks Congress and federal agencies to properly regulate LEDs. More than 73,000 people have signed the petition so far (plus one…) and you can too right here. It turns out that they are part of Change.org, if it matters.
It’s at least good to know that the issue is not being ignored. There’s lots more in the AAA article that you can read here.
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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
So AAA asks, “What’s the Story With Headlight Glare?” Good question…
It used to be if an approaching vehicle’s headlights were on the bright setting, it was nearly always readily apparent. Now headlight glare seems to be an epidemic.
Well, the AAA article I just saw was marginally helpful, noting among other things that today’s LED (light emitting diode) lamps produce a bluer light that human eyes do not prefer, that their own studies have not found a problem, and managed to get a jab in to older drivers, blaming them because of the loss of the ability to recover from glare over time.
I despise that particular explanation, being in the “older” group, but the fact is that I’ve been seeing this problem grow for twenty years!
And we’ve all experienced and approaching vehicle that is climbing an incline, which results in their headlights pointing into the eyes of oncoming traffic.
LEDs are supposed to be an improvement because they use multiple bulbs which can be pointed individually. And auto adjustment systems exist that respond to other criteria: why not a change in drive angle?
The best news is that there is actually an online petition from the Soft Lights Foundation that asks Congress and federal agencies to properly regulate LEDs. More than 73,000 people have signed the petition so far (plus one…) and you can too right here. It turns out that they are part of Change.org, if it matters.
It’s at least good to know that the issue is not being ignored. There’s lots more in the AAA article that you can read here.
——————————————————————-
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
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The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY