AUTO HEADLIGHTS-TIME FOR A CHANGE

This article reviews the present situation of automotive lighting, emphasizing its ineffectiveness in particular driving situations and pointing out the absurdity of present regulations. The only alternative available at present is total highway illumination, a recourse which is considered undesirable both economically and as regards safety, since more poles would be required, thus creating higher costs and greater probability of hitting a pole during an accident. In addition, highway lighting is not aesthetically appealing. An answer to this present situation is articulating headlamps. These are headlamps that turn in synchronization to the steering wheel. At present such headlamps are illegal in the United States. The Department of Transportation is currently considering a number of safety-related changes in automotive illumination systems. Thus far, the changes appear significant but not yet sufficient for a total solution.

• Corporate Authors:

  Illuminating Engineering Society

  120 Wall Street, 17th Floor
  New York, NY  United States  10005-4001
• Authors:
  • Finkelman, J
• Publication Date: 1975-1

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 32-34
• Serial:
  • Lighting Design and Application
  • Volume: 5
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Illuminating Engineering Society

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Automobiles; Headlamps; Highway safety; Night visibility; Prevention; Safety; Steering; Street lighting
• Old TRIS Terms: Articulating headlights; Cornering (Vehicle)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00080631
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 11 1975 12:00AM