Headlight Glare

[10ClarionSt]

This has been in the news a lot recently. I mentioned it on here years ago and the concensus was that it wasn't a problem, but I still think it is a problem. 

Who remembers the old PI film, Dip Don't Dazzle? What ever happened to dipped headlights? I believe that the MOT setting for headlights is wrong and they are set too high by the mechanics. This is for all vehicles. Dipped headlights should point at the kerb, not the centre of the road. The MOT settings need to be amended.

The use of LED bulbs is also a big factor. There is no need for headlights to be as bright as they are. They are just dazzling motorists. Halogen was ok for years until someone had a "lightbulb" moment. Headlights are intended to make the vehicle visible, not act as searchlights or spotlights.

What about the alternator? What about it, sez you? Prior to the alternator, there was the (not much use) dynamo. To put the charge back into the battery after starting, you had to drive non-stop for about 5 miles. The dynamo restricted the use of headlights most times, so people used to drive at night with just side lights on. And didn't it used to be an offence to drive in the daytime with headlights on? All of that changed with the introduction of the alternator. Some, probably all, would call this progress, but headlight glare is a problem and needs sorting. Rapid!

And don't get me started on Redlight Glare, from brake lights. That needs sorting as well! Apart from that though, everything's fine thanks! 😄

[barry1010]

How do you get on with the glare from cars and roads caused by the low winter sun on a bright day?

I've got fuch's so can't drive in the dark, the glare from lights blinds me

[10ClarionSt]

Thanks Barry. That's a problem too and not much we can do about that but I saw one tip about headlight glare from a police traffic officer who says people should concentrate on the white line and not look at the lights. Haven't tried it yet but it seems like another reason not to watch the flow of traffic, like watching for potholes and speed cameras.

[bhg481]

I worry about "automatic" headlights that come on automatically when they think it's dark; how do they know when it's foggy? It's all very well saying the driver can over-ride them but most drivers seem to be too thick or lazy to bother.

Another problem is that some of the new LED lamps auto-dip. They don't dip in the conventional way by moving the beam but just cut-out the part of the beam they think is pointing at another car; can they detect cyclists/mopeds or don't they count?

[davebro3]

I wonder if spectacles with polarizing lenses would help.

I try to avoid driving at night now - aside from headlight glare my night vision is somewhat reduced.

[bhg481]

I heard the comment about concentrating on the white line; unfortunately many country roads don't have a white line.

[Hymie]

The normal dipped headlights on my car are so bright that when I’m driving at night down an unlit country road, I don’t need to switch on the main beam to adequately see the road ahead.

 

A colleague at work, considering buying a new car said that one of the criteria was that the driver ride height was sufficient to minimise glare from oncoming vehicle lights.

 

These anecdotes would suggest that there is a problem.

[Old_Geezer]

I've thought for ages that modern car lights can't be being set properly. Driving on busy roads at night are a risky activity. That said, I reckon street lighting is inadequate in many places, white lines don't get renewed enough, and kerbs should be painted white (with black stripes for when conditions are snowy) too.

[vulcan42]

For years I have driven with the yellow tinted night glasses which were very useful but couldn't cope with the Newer LED lights. I have just bought a new pair which is supposed to deal with both types of lighting. The glasses only arrived Yesterday so will give more details later if they are as good as the manufacture's suggest.

[davebro3]

https://customerguide.review/review/night-driving-glasses-uk/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxNKklfzWiwMVV5RQBh2gUwcoEAAYAiAAEgLF6vD_BwE

 

[Old_Geezer]

I tried yellow lens clip-ons once. Could hardly see anything at night. Very dangerous.

[vulcan42]

It's interesting to note in that review not one of them mentions LED lighting which is the main cause of danger and drivers complaints. The glasses I have bought are not mentioned so will carry out my own review soon. Good or bad, I will report back on this thread.

[10ClarionSt]

Thanks for the replies folks. I think the comments about street lighting are very relevant. There was an example recently of one council installing new lights on a street that were intentionally low lighting and only lit a small area. 

I've often thought about those "night vision specs". I'd like to hear what Vulcan has to say about his trial of them.