WHITE OR YELLOW LIGHTS FOR VEHICLE HEAD-LAMPS?

The question of whether to use filter (yellow) incandescent light or unfiltered (white) light is examined. The following topics are examined on this study: The optical image in the human eye; light scatter in the atmosphere as present in haze and mist, and the subsequent conditions of visibility, the make-up and function of the human visual system (contrast sensitivity and visual acuity are dealt with in detail); individual function of traffic lights, and the glare of traffic lights in particular; and finally, visual performance with respect to old age. The psychology of perception was formed not to give any useful indication as to preference for a particular color. However, minimal side effects (discomfort glare) were experienced which might indicate a preference for yellow light.

• Corporate Authors:

  Institute for Road Safety Research, SWOV

  Bezuidenhoutseweg 62
  The Hague,   Netherlands  2594 AW
• Publication Date: 1976

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 54 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Age; Eye; Glare; Headlamps; Perception; Safety; Sensitivity; Visibility; Yellow
• Old TRIS Terms: Yellow light
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00149161
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1977 12:00AM