Use New Headlight Technologies That Could Save More Lives Every Year

Each year, approximately five thousands pedestrians and bicyclists are killed along U.S. roads - 2,300 of them occurring at nighttime - and another 70,000 pedestrians are injured in traffic crashes, according to a 2003 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation.

New automotive lighting technologies, including xenon bulbs and Adaptive Front Lighting Systems that utilize led headlights, can help better nighttime pedestrian safety, in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Lighting Council.

According to researcher Michael Flannagan of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, car drivers "overdrive" the headlights on lots of today's vehicles, meaning they are going extremely fast to stop safely within the distance made visible by the headlights.

"The crucial safety require in low-beam lighting is seeing distance," Flannagan said. "The maximum safe speed with today's standard low beams is only around 45 mph. Our research indicate there's a major safety problem that headlights could solve."

One possible solution is Xenon headlights, often known as blue headlights, these lights are based on a gas discharge method, Xenon uses an arc instead of a filament as a light source. The result is enhanced roadway vision by increasing the light output to the sides of the street.

A 2004 University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute test exposed that Xenon headlamps provided twice as much light for seeing critical objects on the road while producing 25% less glare. The wider beam coverage also provides better lighting on road shoulders, where pedestrians and bicyclists are generally found.

Nearly 120 automobile models equipped with Xenon headlights were sold in North America in the 2005 model year -; up 21 percent from 2004.

Another rising headlight technology is AFS or Adaptive Front Lighting System. It provides optimal lighting in various driving situation by automatically modifying the beam pattern of the headlights in response to a variety of speed, weather conditions and road situations. The headlamps automatically move as the steering wheel is turned. This helps light up the road at an earlier stage, allowing the driver more time to adjust and steer or brake as required.

Instructions On Preparing Your Car For Summer Travel
Spring is the perfect time to get your vehicle ready for the busy summer driving season ahead. It's wise to have your vehicle checked out before summer's heavy vacation traffic and stop-and-go conditions begin earnestly

Auto Accident Settlement - Helpful Tips When Submitting Your Automobile Accident Claim
Are you curious about how to settle an auto accident settlement? In this article we are going to look into this issue as well as give you some helpful tips for your car crash claim.

Radar Detectors: Affordable Farewell To Speeding Tickets. Shelter From Tickets Every Day
Owning a radar detector is a great way to help you abide by the law. Radar detectors are very effective for warning you that you are approaching a speed detection device. The detector will make a noise or flash lights when it senses an incoming signal on specific frequencies.

BMW Series 6 - Is This The Finest BMW With Its Safety Features, Style And Beauty?
There are many cars available today that look sporty but don't offer much in the way of luxury. However this will change towards the end of this year when BMW release the new 6 series cars on the market.

Be Well Equipped While Going On A Long Road Trip
If you are thinking of going on a long road trip in your car, van or RV, then you should read about one of the must have car accessories that I have come across in a long time. The 12v Air Compressor.

Taxis World Wide Have Got A Thrilling History
Early taxis relied solely on muscle power, usually from horses and occasionally from people. Nowadays most taxi cab services rely on a fleet of cars and vans to transport passengers.

Electric Impact Wrench: The Tool Every Single Mechanic Wants
As a mechanic it is very important that you own all of your own power tools. You can't be borrowing tools from other people, and you certainly can't do everything by hand if you want to get your jobs done quickly.

More Articles

Blogroll

Home | Sitemap | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Service

Copyright © 2006 - All Rights Reserved.