Thousands Of Drivers Sign Petition Calling For Ban On 'Blinding' Vehicle Headlights

Shedding Light on a Dangerous Problem

Guys, let's talk about something that's been bothering us all. Adam, thank you for bringing this up. Have you ever felt like you're being blinded by the lights when you're driving at night? Well, guess what? You're not alone! Thousands of people are complaining that vehicle headlights are getting brighter and causing more glare. And let me tell you, it's not just an annoyance; it's downright dangerous!

The Soft Lights Foundation Takes a Stand

Now, there's one group that has had enough of this blinding madness. The Soft Lights Foundation is calling for a ban on what they call "blinding headlights." They've even started a petition that has already gathered over 41,000 signatures. That's right, folks, this issue is no joke.

Rise of the Giants: Taller Vehicles and Brighter Lights

So, what's causing this blinding epidemic? Well, one major factor is the rise of taller vehicles on the road. More and more people are buying SUVs and trucks these days. In fact, back in 2010, only 56 percent of vehicles sold were SUVs or trucks. Fast forward to 2021, and they now account for a whopping 81 percent! Can you believe that?

But here's the problem: there's a mismatch between small cars and these super-sized giants. It's like David going up against Goliath! We need standards in place to ensure everyone's safety on the road.

LEDs: A Bright Idea or a Glaring Problem?

Now, let's shed some light on another culprit: LEDs. These fancy lights may look cool, but they're causing more harm than good. The Soft Lights Foundation argues that the intensity and color temperature of LEDs distract drivers, leading to accidents and even health issues like migraines. They're concerned about the long-term health of our eyes, such as macular degeneration. Yikes!

Shedding Light on Headlight Testing

But wait, there's more! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has been conducting tests and grading headlights for visibility and glare. And guess what they found? The biggest contributor to glare is headlights that miss their aim. They even showed a video of two vehicles from the same automaker, both equipped with LED headlights. One created excessive glare, while the other didn't.