Headlights are blinding us. Here’s why it’s mostly an American problem

Channel 3000 News/CNN ^ | February 19, 2024 | CNN Staff

[Trailerpark Badass]

LED lights of all kinds seem to produce blinding light when looked at, but do not seem to illuminate the surrounding area very well.

[OldMissileer]

My cataracts are pretty bad, having them checked again next month. I get pretty halos from headlights at night but it’s no big deal. If the doc wants to do them I’m good with that too, I’ll probably like the result.

Both my wife and I had cataract surgery performed last year. She knew her sight was getting bad but I thought I was OK until tested.

Anyway, we opted to spend the extra cash and get the multi-focal lenses so we wouldn't have to wear glasses anymore. Now we don't have to wear any glasses and we both have great vision at night so we don't ever have to worry about going out.

[stevio]

You’re actually able to do that in the east in Amish/Mennonite country. It’s awesome.

[OldMissileer]

3. Some cars are designed with an option to have running lights on in the front and none in the back. I often see this on the freeway at night. Why would that ever be an option? What setting produces that?

Those are the Daytime Running Lights, DRL. If people have a vehicle with the DRLs but do not have, or have turned off, their auto-on headlights, they will end up running at night with only those DRLs on.

If you have DRLs most insurance companies give you a small discount.

[HartleyMBaldwin]

I’d be hesitant to drive by moonlight in forested areas, but it’s great out in sagebrush/creosote desert.

[minnesota_bound]

The car companies are making the repairs more costly as they make much more money.
See how simple it is to replace a bulb in my car.

To buy a pair of light bulbs for my 2016 Honda Accord Sport is around $40 from Autozone
https://www.autozone.com/collision-body-parts-and-hardware/headlight/honda/accord/2016

Much cheaper here at $7.99 a piece.
https://www.lightbulbs.com/automotive/2016-honda-accord-replacement-light-bulbs

DIY 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Honda Accord Replacing Headlight Bulbs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJv-pnEWkcg

To replace the headlight assembly you have to remove the bumper...

How to Replace Headlights 2013-2017 Honda Accord
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwlky9glTTU

[Lake Living]

I was thinking of a bar above the roof like rally cars with a row of lights across. That way the lights would be right at eye level for the driver of the truck! See… great minds think alike 😅

[cymbeline]

“These LEDs put way too much of their energy out at wavelengths where the eye doesn’t want it.”

I agree. Maybe LEDs aren’t good at producing large amounts of light in the most desirable wavelengths for headlights.

Do they still offer “fog lights” that emit a yellowish light? Incandescents are good at those wavelengths.

Maybe headlights are one place where incandescents are the best choice.