The mystery of blinding headlights
NRC interviewed Ingrid Heynderickx, professor of applied visual perception to gain more insight into how and why.
The annoyance surrounding blinding headlights is growing. The phenomenon, intensified during the winter months, affects not only motorists but also cyclists, and even scooters, highlighting the urgency of the problem. NRC interviewed a.o. Ingrid Heynderickx, professor of applied visual perception, among others, to gain more insight into how and why.
The striking increase in complaints, illustrated by a recent ANWB survey with more than 10,000 responses, debunks the misconception that only older people experience this as a problem. Heynderickx explains that modern LED lights, although energy efficient and directional, cause glare due to their point source characteristics.
The solution?
Heynderickx suggests the use of reflectors in lamp units to disperse light more broadly, a modification that, however, often clashes with car manufacturers' aesthetic priorities. The article sheds fascinating light on the delicate balance between functionality and design in the automotive world.
Link to the article in NRC (paid and in Dutch)