DIPPED HEADLIGHTS AND ROAD SAFETY

The present absence of legislation requiring the use of dipped headlights on unlighted roads leaves a minority of drivers, about 20-25%, using only side lights not easily observed, nor their speeds correctly judged by other road users. Dangers associated with this situation, such as the disparity between different levels of vehicle lighting, are stated and discussed. The need for legislation to enforce uniform use of headlights is indicated. Special proposed vehicle lighting systems will not solve the problem as cheaply and quickly as the use of dipped headlights. Against objections to this practice, it is asserted that properly adjusted dipped headlights do not dazzle, and any discomfort caused by their use is preferable to the possible permanent injury to or death of other road users. Visual contrast reduction due to use of headlights apply only to static tests but not to moving obstacles which can be seen and avoided. (TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Public Lighting Engineers

  Lennox House, 9 Lawford Road
  Rugby, Warwichshire,   England 
• Authors:
  • Murphy, HEH
• Publication Date: 1979-12

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 243-244
• Serial:
  • Public Lighting
  • Volume: 44
  • Issue Number: 187
  • Publisher: Association of Public Lighting Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Conferences; Contrast; Glare; Hazards; Headlamps; Highway safety; Law enforcement; Legislation; Low beamed headlamps; Obstructions (Navigation); Safety; Street lighting; Traffic regulations; Utilization; Visibility
• Uncontrolled Terms: Traffic laws; Use
• ITRD Terms: 8525: Conference; 6794: Contrast (visual); 1340: Dipped headlight; 1534: Enforcement (law); 1556: Legislation; 545: Lighting (street); 1644: Obstacle; 1665: Safety; 1544: Traffic regulations; 9084: Use; 6783: Visibility
• Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00311735
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-030 128
• Files: HSL, ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 19 1983 12:00AM