The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday that it will revise its vehicle lighting standards to address concerns about headlight glare. This move aims to allow for the latest safety-improving lighting technologies. The decision comes as complaints about glare from headlights have increased, with some lawmakers urging the government to set a maximum headlight brightness standard.
The growing number of taller trucks and SUVs on roads has led to more complaints about glare. LEDs, which now account for most headlights in new cars, are much brighter than traditional halogen headlights. NHTSA plans to improve rules for LEDs, dusk sensors, automatic high beams, and replaceable light sources. The agency will also evaluate headlamp height and aim and their impact on driver visibility.
NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison stated that today's standards do not allow automakers to deploy the latest safety-improving lighting technologies. The agency will bring together key experts and stakeholders to modernize its standards and address potential causes of glare. This move is expected to enhance road safety, particularly at night.
According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), headlight glare contributes to a relatively small number of nighttime crashes. From 2015 to 2023, headlight glare was cited as a factor in only one or two out of every 1,000 nighttime crashes across 11 US states. The study also found that drivers older than 70 appear to be most affected by headlight glare.
Federal headlight standards for minimum and maximum brightness have not changed since 1997, according to IIHS. NHTSA had previously announced that it would allow automakers to install adaptive driving beam headlights on new vehicles. These devices adjust the headlight beam pattern to dim portions directed at other vehicles.
NHTSA will use a negotiated rulemaking process to update its vehicle lighting standards. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will appoint up to 18 people from vehicle lighting manufacturers, motor vehicle equipment associations, safety organizations, research institutions, and engineering associations to take part. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the revised standards are effective and practical.
The updated standards are expected to improve road safety and reduce the number of nighttime crashes caused by headlight glare. The issue remains a concern, particularly for older drivers. The revised standards will help to ensure that new vehicles are equipped with safe and effective lighting systems.
Key points
- The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to rewrite vehicle lighting standards to address headlight glare.
- The growing number of taller trucks and SUVs on roads has led to more complaints about glare.
- Federal headlight standards for minimum and maximum brightness have not changed since 1997.
