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Introduction
Introduction
There are two primary problems with light from headlights. One is general light pollution, affecting not just the roadway itself, but spilling into communities, ecosystems, and even impacting the night sky - making it hard for wildlife to migrate safely and for scientists to study our skies (including keeping an eye out for asteroids or other important phenomenon). The other is headlight glare, which causes immediate, temporary blindness, causing increased accidents as companies increasingly make headlights brighter and brighter.
Types of Pollution Caused by headlights
Types of Pollution Caused by headlights
Light Pollution
Light Pollution
General light pollution from roadways is caused by the vehicles' lights, as well as roadway lighting. This type of pollution not just the roadway itself, but spills into communities (through windows at night, adding to insomnia and raising cancer rates). Light pollution permeates through delicate ecosystems harming both nocturnal and diurnal species. Light pollution even impacts the night sky - making it hard for wildlife to migrate safely and for scientists to study our skies (including keeping an eye out for asteroids or other important phenomenon).
Glare
Glare
"Drivers say LED headlamps, which are increasingly common in new vehicles, are causing them problems and making it harder to drive at night.
Research into the issue on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT) has still not been published, but the BBC has learned that the government now plans to launch a new assessment of the causes and remedies.
New measures will be included in the government's upcoming Road Safety Strategy, reflecting what is becoming an increasingly fraught issue for road users."
"Mike, a bus driver in Scarborough, also called in to say the bright lights can cause confusion on the roads. "
"The problem is worse for older people, whose eyes take around nine seconds to recover from glare, compared to one second for a 16-year-old, according to road safety consultant, Rob Heard.
"In severe cases, we might need to stop until our sight can recuperate," he said.
A survey from the RAC motoring organisation found that more than a third of drivers were nervous about getting behind the wheel as the evenings get darker. Three quarters of respondents said driving was getting more difficult due to brighter lights." - BBC: Headlights to be Reviewed After Drivers Complain of Being 'Blinded' at Night
Solutions
Solutions
Solutions for Glare
Solutions for Glare
Regulations and Laws
Regulations and Laws
Some countries such as the UK have had regulations about headlights since 1989, but many places need to create new laws, and enforcement is critical to keeping people safe from being blinded while one the road.
Impact
Impact
This would be the most effective solution protecting everyone by preventing vehicles from being built, imported, or allowed onto roads in the first place, it could also prevent the creation of these dangerous and wasteful headlights making it to market.
For Vehicle Owners & Mechanics
For Vehicle Owners & Mechanics
Don't buy or install dangerously bright lights.
Ensure that headlights are properly angled down instead of up into the faces of other road users.
Don't use bright headlights during the day.
For Drivers and Passangers
For Drivers and Passangers
Ensure your windscreen is clean
Wear glasses and keep them clean
Avoid looking straight ahead, instead focus on the edge of the road
Do not wear night sunglasses sold for night-driving, as they reduce overall light and won't reduce glare.
Impact
Impact
These are reactive, bandaid type solutions with limited effectiveness, and can't compensate for what proper regulations and enforcement could achieve for public safety.
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