Over the past years, automotive technology has been moving fast and one of the major changes would be the widespread use of LED headlights in most modern vehicles. These lights are praised for their energy efficiency, their sleek look, and their longevity, therefore making them the new standard in automotive lighting. But while their technical advantages are undeniable, LED headlights have been bringing growing concerns on the roads among drivers who have found the lights so bright they are almost hazardous for oncoming traffic.
A recent survey confirms this fact, as almost 90% of drivers feel LED headlights are too bright. They have a number of drivers who say they are momentarily blinded, or disoriented, when driving at night and that raises important questions: Are LED headlights improving visibility for the driver using the lamps, but diminishing safety for everyone else? How do you balance technological progress with public safety?
In fact, the vast majority of new cars no longer have traditional halogen bulbs as the standard, nowadays they have LEDs (Light EmittingDiodes). Mostly this rise comes because of few good benefits. Whereas halogen bulbs waste a large amount of their energy as heat, LEDs convert most of their energy into light. LEDs are more sustainable and eco friendly due to their efficiency. In addition, they are ten of thousands of hours long, far longer than halogens, requiring less frequent replacements for car owners. LEDs produce a beam with a better focus and, in low light conditions, they are more illuminant. In addition, they further help with the modern, futuristic style of most vehicles.
With these advantages, LED headlights have become highly attractive to the manufacture and consumers alike. This is as true with most innovations as anything; benefits in one place could generate new problems in another spot.
Drivers like how enhanced visibility LEDs provide, but a growing number of people are starting to grow rather frustrated—maybe even afraid—with how these headlights affect other drivers on the road. LED headlights are known to be very bright and very white, which produce glare, particularly for other drivers or for drivers using rearview mirrors. Overly bright headlights are sometimes responsible for temporary visual impairment, discomfort, even migraines or night driving trauma. It can also be worse for those with older drivers, or those with sensitivity to vision. Additionally, because LED beams are more focused and directed than the halogen, their placing is so critical. LED headlights are poorly aligned or have not been installed correctly, and thus can produce flashing blinds impossible to dodge.
The automotive industry, regulators, and the driving communities have talked at length about the growing discontent with LED headlight brightness. LED technology won’t disappear any time soon, but it can be safe if steps are taken for safety. More detailed regulations on headlight intensity, color temperature and beam patterns could be implemented by governments and transportation authorities in order to cover all road users in terms of safety. Such adaptive lighting technologies can be improved by manufacturers, for example to automatically dim high beams or to adjust the brightness depending on the traffic near. Therefore, practice headlight alignment education for car owners, who are opting to install aftermarket LED kits. Other middle ground solutions could also be innovation in diffused LED lighting or anti glare design to balance performance and safety.
In the meantime, advancements in automotive technology must include a protection for shared road safety. There are many irrefutable benefits to LED headlights but the conversation now has to move on to how to implement responsible LED headlights. If we use better regulations, design standards and education for the consumers we will be able to use the benefits of modern lighting without compromising their visibility and road safety.
For now: until those wheels are streamlined fully usable in mashups for that brighter future, use and respect of roads will be mutual.
