Modern Headlights

[myglaren]

There have been numerous posts regarding modern headlights, principally that they dazzle oncoming drivers.

The RAC has investigated and the Beeb have reported on it.

Bedazzled.

I haven't experienced any dangerous incidents but do agree that they are very disturbing and uncomfortable.

[Michel]

I don't think it's a case of them being too bright.
It's a case of them being badly adjusted, people using craps bulbs (Halfords, Lidl, Aldi) and people driving on main beam, or having a light out on one side and driving on main beam with the other.

Most of my driving from Sept to April is done in the dark on unlit roads with a fair amount of traffic on. I rarely have issues. It's cyclists with very bright, badly aimed lights that are the worst for me.

[MikeT]

A problem I'm noticing more with these brighter dipped lights is the fact my eyeline is below the dipped-beam of higher-sighted vehicles, such as SUV's, vans and other commercial vehicles.
You get the same sort of dazzling effect caused by the increasing number of walliies that park on the wrong side of the road leaving their headlights on or when an oncoming car rolls up and over the brow of a hill for instance.

The difference between dipped and full beam isn't so obvious to me anymore though I'm willing to accept my eyesight may not be what it once was.

[Stickyfinger]

Modern "tall" cars and vans, in particular, the latest LandRovers I can always guarantee will blind you (on dip) are fecking dangerous, this is not because they have changed bulbs. I would be quite happy to take a hammer to every one of them ..gerrrr

[daviemck2006]

The drivers of such vehicles with these lights may well appreciate the better view but the vast majority of us are blinded by them, and therefore the roads are more dangerous. When I am in the 205 at night, it has normal lights, never get flashed by others, yet they are the best lights I have driven switch, and they have normal 55w halogen bulbs, but every newish SUV especially land rover, Audi and twin cab offroaders absolutely dazzle me, either coming towards me or following me. Horrid things.

[Michel]

...but every newish SUV especially land rover, Audi and twin cab offroaders absolutely dazzle me

Well, they will as their lights are higher than you. It's not a new phenomenon. Used to happen to me 12 years ago in the MX5 with normal height cars dazzling me as I was sat so much lower.

[daviemck2006]

Yes I concede the 205 is low, but I can cope with the normal halogen lights of older SUV type vehicles except when they are 2 feet behind me but these led things need fixing with stickies hammer.

[Fake Concern]

[Eddie Nuff]

The irony of the Vauxhall ad which is proud to blind the fox is obviously lost on the ad marketing team.

The 'Auto' lights feature which seems to automatically relieve the driver of his responsibility to switch the damn headlights off when parked up. And don't get me started on why every light on the bleeding car needs to be illuminated just so you can find it in the car park!

[Pug_XUD_KeenAmateur]

Does new technology 'Do away with' the need for the patterns on older style headlight lenses, or is a decent proportion of the issue the fact that headlight lenses are clear these days?