Comment Why the arms race ?? (Score 1) 376
Wonderful in the lab or test track in Germany, but will be a major nuisance on the roads:
. Bends: most motorists round here on full beam fail to dip until they can see oncoming cars appear round the bend, so oncoming rivers can expect serious dazzle
. Hills: same problem
. Cyclists: already get it in both eyes from LED headlights remaining on full beam, and lose any night vision once the car has gone
. Pedestrians: can now expect dazzle from 600 metres instead of 300. Great news!
. Comatose drivers: On an average 45 minute commute, I meet 2-3 motorists driving around on full beam, oblivious to others flashing them – or perhaps they borrowed the car and can’t find the controls.
. Flashing other motorists: It’s nice to let others out of side roads by flashing your headlights briefly to main beam. They’re usually 20 metres away, not 600 so will emerge from a junction temporarily dazzled. Great contribution to road safety
Seriously, this is a solution looking for a problem and shouldn’t be type approved.
I’ve updated my bike lights to twin triple Crees just to force oncoming cars to dip beam.