A fun game I was playing during my early morning drive up the A59 to Leeds.

Why are lights so bright now?

Do drivers not notice or are they just used to it? Is there a conversation about this anywhere? It feels unsafe.

All the better to see you with my dear

There definately a lot brighter than they were. I realIy hate driving in the dark now, never bothered me before but with so many 4x4 style vehicles being on the road it's awful when they come up behind you,even with their lights dipped it's hard to see in front of you, likewise coming towards you.

Its not just 4x4's, its the new LED's that all new vehicles have.

They are awful to approach oncoming traffic or be in front of in the dark. Its not the drivers fault either.

It's full LEDs, not Halogens which have been standard on most cars for years now, that are the blinding ones.

The reason lights are constantly getting brighter is that people are light blind. Full beams on when they're not needed constantly, bleating about no streetlights on the M65. They're so used to being bathed in light that they can't live without it and just want more and more. It needs to be legislated against. My current car has halogens but my new one will have full LEDs... unfortunately the options list doesn't include downgrading your lights.

I thought this thread might be about breast implants.

The lights do seem brighter in recent years but too many drivers raise the headlight to its highest angle to see more and unwittingly dazzle an oncoming driver.
Secondly a sizeable minority of drivers insist on using foglights regardless of whether it's foggy or not.Again on a wet road surface this just increases any problems.
Thirdly drivers seem to switch from high beam to low beam when approaching any other traffic much later than ever rather than anticipating meeting anyone on corners or junctions.
I drive mainly at night and witness this misuse and also illegal use too often.Its become my biggest pet hate regarding driving and I can't decide whether it's down to poor training, overly complicated light control,powerful bulbs or simply lazy selfish driving.

Sorry folks I've waited years to get that lot off my chest.
Rant over......

UTC

BigAlClaret wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 21, 2020 8:53 am

Thirdly drivers seem to switch from high beam to low beam when approaching any other traffic much later than ever rather than anticipating meeting anyone on corners or junctions.

Worst on bends in dual carriageways as well, where some seem to think armco barriers have magical light blocking powers that will allow them to leave their full beam on without burning the retinas of anyone driving the other way.

I can empathise with you, until recently my commute was the 70 mile round trip from Steeton to Ribchester, pretty much entirely on the A59 and being blinded by oncoming headlights was an every day occurrence.

Thought it was just me and my aging glaucoma affected eyes that was noticing how bright headlights seem to be these days!

Agree with all the points made above and would add a pet hate of mine which is drivers parked on the same side of the road as oncoming traffic and facing the oncoming cars still with their headlights full on dazzling the approaching drivers.

I have been saying for a year or two now that LEDs should be banned as a safety issue, they f*ckin blind oncoming drivers as bad as people driving with full beam. Before my cataract op I could still legally drive with glasses (I now don't need them at all for driving - brilliant) but I got to the point where I avoided driving at night if I could because it was like watching a f*ckin Pink Floyd concert every time I went out, the light show was a major problem for me.

I drove back from Harrogate yesterday evening and agree that some are blinding nowadays, especially the 4x4's as the lights are set higher.

A very important discussion thread and I agree that ageing definately reduces visual acuity (and also seems to increase visual glare) in poor light conditions. Maybe something our new MP could bring up as a Parliamentary question?

I have bought anti glare glasses to help. They even sit over the top of my normal spectacles. Everything goes yellow instead of that bright white. About 4 quid on Ebay. Best thing I ever bought to help with night time driving.

I get dazzled so often these days I have to leave mine on full beam, as oncoming cars pass, just to see where I’m going.

I get dazzled so often these days I have to leave my LEDs on full beam, as oncoming cars pass, just so I can see where I’m going.

People that drive on full beam should be banned from driving or receive a ticket if spotted, my pet hate also and it’s always 4x4’s that do it, always seems to be some moron putting on full beam behind you because they can’t see properly!

Sproggy wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 21, 2020 8:39 am

I thought this thread might be about breast implants.

Enough tits frequent these pages already sproggy

ClaretAndJew wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 21, 2020 7:58 am

A fun game I was playing during my early morning drive up the A59 to Leeds.

Why are lights so bright now?

Do drivers not notice or are they just used to it? Is there a conversation about this anywhere? It feels unsafe.

Mine are far too bright, they’re blinding but were what came with the car. I’d change them if I cared enough but do sympathise with those I’m tailgating

My old Qashqai had automatic hi to dip headlights but they used to recognise other pairs of lights occasionally and switch.

I much prefer my halogen hob to my old full-beam one

Poke out the eyes of ALL 4x4 owners.
Except those that live on farms of course. They actually need them. 4x4s And eyes.
Stupid, airheaded blonde hairdressers and arrogant middle managers dont need them, 4x4s and eyes

Rant over. I actually feel better for that