Range Rovers
Some Months back Jaguar/Land Rover replied to me explaining that their vehicles pass current regulations. This I accept but it does not mean that (Range Rovers) are safe for the opposing Drivers.
The letter I received back from their Technical department admitted many vociferous complaints had come their way.
At times I am a bit boring on this subject but remember if you are following me (big blinding blogger) and www.blindedbixenon.co.uk my first big discovery was a Salesman sold a Range Rover to a customer and then asked the questions:-
Have you driven with the Bi-xenon headlights and do you drive at night much. Answer:-
It was yes to both. Reply:-
Be very careful as your new lights are about 30% brighter and so good that other drivers will flash you. But do not worry as your vehicle passes all Government tests.
From all my research I believe that Jaguar/Land Rover actually know that their vehicles dazzle/temporary blind (thousands) of other road users and are cheating us by using these words. (Our vehicles pass all current regulations)
In the early hours of the last day of 2009-12-31 I spoke to another willing Range Rover Driver who was staying at the Renaissance Hotel Holborn and commutes between London and Wales. Not only does he get flashed by other Drivers that dislike the glare from his Bi-xenon lights he also agreed that other Drivers are doing the same to him.
If you have taken time to read this blog and live in the UK please vote on my E Petition at number 10 Downing Street:-
Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation
If you live in the USA and many other places around the World and have the more sensitive eyes that find Daytime Running Lights distract making added dangers for you go to the DaDRL and vote:-
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
Epilogue:-
Let’s hope with my effort and your votes 2010 will be the year our voice is heard
Thursday 31 December 2009
Saturday 19 December 2009
Recieved Interesting Email
Received this from HJ Motoring correspondent. Porsche are on my list as being vehicles with xenon lights that are dangerous and intimidating to other drivers.
Hi Ken,
I hadn't heard of you, but that's a brilliant idea (to use the wrong word).I'm fully in favour of three 'angles' of attack.One is against retro-fitting of Xenon's to cars that don't have automatic load compensation motors.Two is maintenance of those load compensation motors. They either react too slowly, or break.Three is left dipping. Nothing is more likely to blind you on a motorway when you are in the correct lane than the dipped Xenon's of a Porsche or something frying your eyeballs via the drivers door mirror as it comes up behind to overtake.
Epilogue
Thanks HJ.
Porsche cars are great pieces of engineering but be better for the rest off us if they could get their lighting set not to dazzle others!
There is a petition to sign if you wish to help in getting these lights set to a standard that would suit the majority of drivers. Go to http://www.blindedbixenon.co.uk/ and register via the green petition link.
Hi Ken,
I hadn't heard of you, but that's a brilliant idea (to use the wrong word).I'm fully in favour of three 'angles' of attack.One is against retro-fitting of Xenon's to cars that don't have automatic load compensation motors.Two is maintenance of those load compensation motors. They either react too slowly, or break.Three is left dipping. Nothing is more likely to blind you on a motorway when you are in the correct lane than the dipped Xenon's of a Porsche or something frying your eyeballs via the drivers door mirror as it comes up behind to overtake.
Epilogue
Thanks HJ.
Porsche cars are great pieces of engineering but be better for the rest off us if they could get their lighting set not to dazzle others!
There is a petition to sign if you wish to help in getting these lights set to a standard that would suit the majority of drivers. Go to http://www.blindedbixenon.co.uk/ and register via the green petition link.
Friday 18 December 2009
Approved Driving Instructor News
Hello Readers,
In this crazy world of new technological advancements have we gone too far. The Bi-xenon lights on cars are wonderful to drive with. Like a floodlit Football match or Film set. Most of the fors and against are covered by Paul Caddick and myself in the Feature Story on Page 20 of the December issue of ADI News. (A BLINDING CHRISTMAS)
www.blindedbixenon.co.uk
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/blindedbixenon/
If you cannot get a copy I will post on here at a later date.
Good Christmas to all.
Remember if you have more sensitive eyes and the Daytime Running Lights bother you. Especially those with the Audi Models. I have spoken to a number of drivers who have returned to their dealer to have them turned off. Check out on link below.
http://www.dadrl.org.uk/
In this crazy world of new technological advancements have we gone too far. The Bi-xenon lights on cars are wonderful to drive with. Like a floodlit Football match or Film set. Most of the fors and against are covered by Paul Caddick and myself in the Feature Story on Page 20 of the December issue of ADI News. (A BLINDING CHRISTMAS)
www.blindedbixenon.co.uk
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/blindedbixenon/
If you cannot get a copy I will post on here at a later date.
Good Christmas to all.
Remember if you have more sensitive eyes and the Daytime Running Lights bother you. Especially those with the Audi Models. I have spoken to a number of drivers who have returned to their dealer to have them turned off. Check out on link below.
http://www.dadrl.org.uk/
Saturday 28 November 2009
Interesting Archive from DaDRL
June 2007
The Austrian Ophthalmologic Society bans daytime running lights
Accentuating one group of 'traffic-relevant objects' makes all the other objects less conspicuous - worst case - they might turn into sub-threshold stimuli hence escaping attention - to be overlooked .....
July 2008
Austria: since Daytime Running Lights were banned on 1 January 2008, less accidents for road users have been reported:
Minus 5% fatalities
Minus 25% biker-accidents
We endorse the Ban Daytime Running Lights in the USA! Petition to General Motors, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Read the Ban Daytime Running Lights in the USA! Petition
Name
Comments
Do you own a car equipped with DRLS
Do you want The NHSTA to make DRL's mandatory?
1286 Total Signatures
Are Volvo drivers blind? - James May Sunday Mirror
From: Keith Lewis Sent: 12 October 2006 22:04To: dadrl
As a motorcycle instructor it is mandatory for me to use dipped headlights whilst instructing - I use a BIG White bike and wear a white helmet and have still had motorists pull out in front of me and my students - if a Driver cant see a motorcycle or other road user at a distance that is likely to result in a accident then lights wont make any difference.
People who use glaring lights deserve a good slapping'!!!.
Terry Wogan Radio 2
The Austrian Ophthalmologic Society bans daytime running lights
Accentuating one group of 'traffic-relevant objects' makes all the other objects less conspicuous - worst case - they might turn into sub-threshold stimuli hence escaping attention - to be overlooked .....
July 2008
Austria: since Daytime Running Lights were banned on 1 January 2008, less accidents for road users have been reported:
Minus 5% fatalities
Minus 25% biker-accidents
We endorse the Ban Daytime Running Lights in the USA! Petition to General Motors, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Read the Ban Daytime Running Lights in the USA! Petition
Name
Comments
Do you own a car equipped with DRLS
Do you want The NHSTA to make DRL's mandatory?
1286 Total Signatures
Are Volvo drivers blind? - James May Sunday Mirror
From: Keith Lewis Sent: 12 October 2006 22:04To: dadrl
As a motorcycle instructor it is mandatory for me to use dipped headlights whilst instructing - I use a BIG White bike and wear a white helmet and have still had motorists pull out in front of me and my students - if a Driver cant see a motorcycle or other road user at a distance that is likely to result in a accident then lights wont make any difference.
People who use glaring lights deserve a good slapping'!!!.
Terry Wogan Radio 2
Audi R8’s. Have you found they dazzling you?
Audi R8’s. Have you found they dazzling you?
I tried to tread carefully with this driver. Being young and I assume reasonably well of and with two ladies and a friend they were staying at the Hilton Park Lane. I thought they were going to the club at the side in Hertford Street. They were not yet three sheets to the wind and possibly good research for blindedbixenon.
I quickly discovered one lady in the back had suffered at the hands of the Bi-xenon lighting system as she said the slightly blue ones that dazzle you. It often is explained like that without much prompting.
The chap behind me on the jockey seat was eager to tell me he owned an Audi R8 and how fantastic the lights were including the rather garish row of daytime running side lights that many drivers find abhorrent.
There fantastic down a country lane and main beam is not needed as the lights are so good. What about the drivers coming towards you? It does not matter as my vision is perfect. Obviously wasting my time talking to him so I suggested that he take one of my flyer's that will direct him to all the appropriate information on why he is blinding other drivers and that he read it tomorrow.
He handed it back to me saying he did not want to discredit his own car. The lady in the back then spoke up give it to me as I might vote for you.
Epilogue:
At night I have not seen an Audi R8 that has not dazzled me and the sidelights in the rain are awful to deal with. I am sure those that are day drivers with the DaDRL must have also had problems. Please comment on this blog as it will help. Luckily for the rest of us you do not come towards them too often. I do hope an Audi employee reads this as many Audi models are becoming a danger to others and I have come across a number of drivers that have had their daytime lights extinguished as they feel that it is offending other drivers. At least some people understand enough to care.
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
If daytime lights are becoming a problem to you click the link below.
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
I tried to tread carefully with this driver. Being young and I assume reasonably well of and with two ladies and a friend they were staying at the Hilton Park Lane. I thought they were going to the club at the side in Hertford Street. They were not yet three sheets to the wind and possibly good research for blindedbixenon.
I quickly discovered one lady in the back had suffered at the hands of the Bi-xenon lighting system as she said the slightly blue ones that dazzle you. It often is explained like that without much prompting.
The chap behind me on the jockey seat was eager to tell me he owned an Audi R8 and how fantastic the lights were including the rather garish row of daytime running side lights that many drivers find abhorrent.
There fantastic down a country lane and main beam is not needed as the lights are so good. What about the drivers coming towards you? It does not matter as my vision is perfect. Obviously wasting my time talking to him so I suggested that he take one of my flyer's that will direct him to all the appropriate information on why he is blinding other drivers and that he read it tomorrow.
He handed it back to me saying he did not want to discredit his own car. The lady in the back then spoke up give it to me as I might vote for you.
Epilogue:
At night I have not seen an Audi R8 that has not dazzled me and the sidelights in the rain are awful to deal with. I am sure those that are day drivers with the DaDRL must have also had problems. Please comment on this blog as it will help. Luckily for the rest of us you do not come towards them too often. I do hope an Audi employee reads this as many Audi models are becoming a danger to others and I have come across a number of drivers that have had their daytime lights extinguished as they feel that it is offending other drivers. At least some people understand enough to care.
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
If daytime lights are becoming a problem to you click the link below.
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
Monday 23 November 2009
Israeli Businessman
I reported or wrote an earlier blog or letter explaining that this light problem is global. This time I managed to pick up an Israeli in South Kensington going on a short hop to the Kensington Olympia Hotel.
If I am going to get any research information on short journeys I have to act quickly. How has your day been? 24 hours travelling and business meetings. Do you drive I said? Only back in Israel where I live. Sometimes even Policeman and truckers find my questioning hard to understand so someone who has been travelling and working all day coupled with the fact he comes from another country it must seem strange to be questioned about driving back home by your taxi driver.
Once again I must have trod on something I had only travelled a short distance and a car with Bi-xenon lights were beaming straight at us in Kensington High Street. Even with all the ambient light the Bi-xenon beams hit us both in our eyes like lasers punishing the brains sense of perspective for a short while until we passed. It does happen quickly but the light is so strong your eyes take a time to recover which could lead to an accident.
I asked my Israeli passenger if he would like one of my flyer leaflets for checking information on my website blogger and twitter with extra information on my you tube video.
To my surprise he said he does a lot of driving in Israel and the new lights are causing problems there too. Taking my leaflet he said this is a very important thing you do and I will check your website out.
Epilogue:
Some drivers cope with the xenon lights better than others. The Manufacturers and dealers need to take a fresh look as well over 50% of people I research often find these new lights a problem that puts them in danger.
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
If daytime lights are becoming a problem to you click the link below.
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
If I am going to get any research information on short journeys I have to act quickly. How has your day been? 24 hours travelling and business meetings. Do you drive I said? Only back in Israel where I live. Sometimes even Policeman and truckers find my questioning hard to understand so someone who has been travelling and working all day coupled with the fact he comes from another country it must seem strange to be questioned about driving back home by your taxi driver.
Once again I must have trod on something I had only travelled a short distance and a car with Bi-xenon lights were beaming straight at us in Kensington High Street. Even with all the ambient light the Bi-xenon beams hit us both in our eyes like lasers punishing the brains sense of perspective for a short while until we passed. It does happen quickly but the light is so strong your eyes take a time to recover which could lead to an accident.
I asked my Israeli passenger if he would like one of my flyer leaflets for checking information on my website blogger and twitter with extra information on my you tube video.
To my surprise he said he does a lot of driving in Israel and the new lights are causing problems there too. Taking my leaflet he said this is a very important thing you do and I will check your website out.
Epilogue:
Some drivers cope with the xenon lights better than others. The Manufacturers and dealers need to take a fresh look as well over 50% of people I research often find these new lights a problem that puts them in danger.
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
If daytime lights are becoming a problem to you click the link below.
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
My Dubai Princess
This princess was a student that I assume was from Dubai. I never asked her age but she was studying probably at Kingston University.
Her father was probably OK as he was well heeled enough to buy his princess a nice new BMW convertible with the Bi-Xenon lights. Dad had a Range Rover.
My research on this student princess was extremely dazzling and blindingly helpful on my lights issue.
She new that her Bi-Xenon lights were very good like stadium floodlights! But had not considered that others would find them really difficult. But what was even more interesting was she sometimes drove at night with dad following in his Range Rover and had found even with the interior rear view mirror shading some of the dazzle from dad's car it was just an impossible situation.
After going through how Jaguar/Land Rover had replied to me admitting many had complained that their lights dazzle she thanked me and said she would vote on my e petition at number 10.
Epilogue:
How I know she was from Dubai she said back home almost all vehicles have the Bi-Xenon lights and cars without actually look odd. The roads are very different and the standard of driving is far worse than in the UK.
Her father was probably OK as he was well heeled enough to buy his princess a nice new BMW convertible with the Bi-Xenon lights. Dad had a Range Rover.
My research on this student princess was extremely dazzling and blindingly helpful on my lights issue.
She new that her Bi-Xenon lights were very good like stadium floodlights! But had not considered that others would find them really difficult. But what was even more interesting was she sometimes drove at night with dad following in his Range Rover and had found even with the interior rear view mirror shading some of the dazzle from dad's car it was just an impossible situation.
After going through how Jaguar/Land Rover had replied to me admitting many had complained that their lights dazzle she thanked me and said she would vote on my e petition at number 10.
Epilogue:
How I know she was from Dubai she said back home almost all vehicles have the Bi-Xenon lights and cars without actually look odd. The roads are very different and the standard of driving is far worse than in the UK.
Friday 20 November 2009
The Dagenham Dustbin
I wonder if there is anyone old enough to remember this name that was used for Ford cars. The driver of a Ford Focus Zetec with the Bi-Xenon headlamps is a far cry from the old Cortinas and Capri’s like Dennis Waterman had in minder.
Never the less this driver from Fulham was of out for a wee dram so fortunately for me a good subject before the alcohol.
Questioning him on his bi-xenon’s like many drivers readily admitted that a few drivers were irritated by his lights and had retaliated with a flash. Because he did not do a lot of night driving it was only a few, but as we began to get further into why I was campaigning to get the lights lowered to a level that did not dazzle others like well over 50% of people I research he was in complete agreement and so hopefully will vote when he looks at the website.
Another thing that pleased me was he referred to his parents and said that when travelling with them his dad would have the odd groan about the brightness of the bi-xenon lights but had also noticed his mum was really bothered and if they were in her face she would flash the driver coming towards her.
This is the real problem and where my E Petition comes in he had noticed the same as his mum but after flashing the other driver retaliated with main beam which was even more powerful than the lights that were showing that were on dip but appeared to be on full.
Epilogue:
I believe that all manufacturers know that generally most drivers are being dazzled to an extent. I have confirmation in writing from Jaguar/Land Rover that they have had many vociferous complaints about their lights but had done nothing because at present they are working within the law. The amount varies from irritating to dangerous. Because the current RVLR 1989 allows this all Manufacturers will carry on selling these lights for large amounts of money with total disregard at what these lights do to others.
In my opinion most Xenon’s although good for those sitting at the wheel behind them are dangerous to all other motorists who have to deal with them.
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
If daytime lights are becoming a problem to you click the link below.
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
Never the less this driver from Fulham was of out for a wee dram so fortunately for me a good subject before the alcohol.
Questioning him on his bi-xenon’s like many drivers readily admitted that a few drivers were irritated by his lights and had retaliated with a flash. Because he did not do a lot of night driving it was only a few, but as we began to get further into why I was campaigning to get the lights lowered to a level that did not dazzle others like well over 50% of people I research he was in complete agreement and so hopefully will vote when he looks at the website.
Another thing that pleased me was he referred to his parents and said that when travelling with them his dad would have the odd groan about the brightness of the bi-xenon lights but had also noticed his mum was really bothered and if they were in her face she would flash the driver coming towards her.
This is the real problem and where my E Petition comes in he had noticed the same as his mum but after flashing the other driver retaliated with main beam which was even more powerful than the lights that were showing that were on dip but appeared to be on full.
Epilogue:
I believe that all manufacturers know that generally most drivers are being dazzled to an extent. I have confirmation in writing from Jaguar/Land Rover that they have had many vociferous complaints about their lights but had done nothing because at present they are working within the law. The amount varies from irritating to dangerous. Because the current RVLR 1989 allows this all Manufacturers will carry on selling these lights for large amounts of money with total disregard at what these lights do to others.
In my opinion most Xenon’s although good for those sitting at the wheel behind them are dangerous to all other motorists who have to deal with them.
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
If daytime lights are becoming a problem to you click the link below.
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
Thursday 19 November 2009
Policeman on Motorcycles
Having been a pedal cyclist and a motorcyclist I do realise how vulnerable two wheels are. Lighting at night is then much more important to the rider as it could be the difference between life and death.
Today not only do many powerful lights on vehicles dazzle/temporary blind other drivers but the same problem is also prevalent from motorcycles.
Having read an article in driving magazine on the motorcycle the Police use and how easy it should be to adjust the headlights and set them not to dazzle other road users I needed to find out from the Police direct.
I spotted two riders in Belgrave Square and proceeded to follow them waiting for my opportunity to stop them safely. Managing to get beside the straggler of the two of them whose lights in my opinion were set just a wee bit high enough to dazzle other road users my questions began to flow. This young officer was quite happy to chat with me but quickly confirmed what is happening with many new motorcycles. The headlights on these new motorcycles are so good that when drivers see them they perceive I want them to stop as my headlight appears to flash and puts the motorist of.
I knew these lights were dazzling me and others on a nightly basis but its great when an officer admits it directly. So how can we use what is a good improvement for the rider that then doesn’t then blind other road users.
Motorcyclists need to be seen and lighting on their bikes needs to be noticed. The accident rate of these motorcycles is extremely high. [For the average rider/not the Police} I believe a combination of over brightness that dazzles other drivers making it hard for that driver to see if he or she is dealing with a car with one headlamp or a motorcycle could be their own downfall.
This particular problem is going to harder to deal with than my current ongoing petition at number 10. Dazzling/blinding incidences from motorcycles is a growing concern and I believe many riders do not realise they are blinding drivers.
Having spoken to only one officer who rides a motorcycle and him giving me confirmation he has problems it appears that more thought than throwing brighter lighting at the driver/rider is not a definitive answer and needs to be looked at with more than bright lighting that is clearly detrimental to others.
Epilogue:
I don’t think reducing the brightness of the lighting plus making sure riders that carry pillions or transport large parcels remember to readjust the headlamps with the weight change and reflective marking which should glow in maybe a more uniform style than any current reflectors that make it obvious you have a motorcycle in your headlights view safety for all could be improved considerably.
I think this even for me is much more tricky than that of car headlights and if you manage to get through this blog I would love you to make the effort and give me some of your comments as there needs to be something better than what we have at the present time.
Today not only do many powerful lights on vehicles dazzle/temporary blind other drivers but the same problem is also prevalent from motorcycles.
Having read an article in driving magazine on the motorcycle the Police use and how easy it should be to adjust the headlights and set them not to dazzle other road users I needed to find out from the Police direct.
I spotted two riders in Belgrave Square and proceeded to follow them waiting for my opportunity to stop them safely. Managing to get beside the straggler of the two of them whose lights in my opinion were set just a wee bit high enough to dazzle other road users my questions began to flow. This young officer was quite happy to chat with me but quickly confirmed what is happening with many new motorcycles. The headlights on these new motorcycles are so good that when drivers see them they perceive I want them to stop as my headlight appears to flash and puts the motorist of.
I knew these lights were dazzling me and others on a nightly basis but its great when an officer admits it directly. So how can we use what is a good improvement for the rider that then doesn’t then blind other road users.
Motorcyclists need to be seen and lighting on their bikes needs to be noticed. The accident rate of these motorcycles is extremely high. [For the average rider/not the Police} I believe a combination of over brightness that dazzles other drivers making it hard for that driver to see if he or she is dealing with a car with one headlamp or a motorcycle could be their own downfall.
This particular problem is going to harder to deal with than my current ongoing petition at number 10. Dazzling/blinding incidences from motorcycles is a growing concern and I believe many riders do not realise they are blinding drivers.
Having spoken to only one officer who rides a motorcycle and him giving me confirmation he has problems it appears that more thought than throwing brighter lighting at the driver/rider is not a definitive answer and needs to be looked at with more than bright lighting that is clearly detrimental to others.
Epilogue:
I don’t think reducing the brightness of the lighting plus making sure riders that carry pillions or transport large parcels remember to readjust the headlamps with the weight change and reflective marking which should glow in maybe a more uniform style than any current reflectors that make it obvious you have a motorcycle in your headlights view safety for all could be improved considerably.
I think this even for me is much more tricky than that of car headlights and if you manage to get through this blog I would love you to make the effort and give me some of your comments as there needs to be something better than what we have at the present time.
Sunday 15 November 2009
Motorcycle Despatch Rider from Stoke Newington
14th Nov 2009 Drivers against daytime running lights will love this one http://www.dadrl.org.uk/
Being a despatch rider must be tough especially with slow traffic pedestrians’ cyclists not obeying the Highway Code.
This chap was interested in doing the knowledge but knew it to be very hard and I personally don’t think even if he registers that he will complete it.
It was what he said that confirmed what I already knew.
Quote
[To be noticed I drive with main beam on all day.]
I am seldom out daytime but have seen this too often.
Epilogue
Motorcycles may well benefit from lights in the daytime but I think it needs regulating otherwise those benefits may be lost in dazzling others.
If daytime lights are becoming a problem to you click the link below.
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
Being a despatch rider must be tough especially with slow traffic pedestrians’ cyclists not obeying the Highway Code.
This chap was interested in doing the knowledge but knew it to be very hard and I personally don’t think even if he registers that he will complete it.
It was what he said that confirmed what I already knew.
Quote
[To be noticed I drive with main beam on all day.]
I am seldom out daytime but have seen this too often.
Epilogue
Motorcycles may well benefit from lights in the daytime but I think it needs regulating otherwise those benefits may be lost in dazzling others.
If daytime lights are becoming a problem to you click the link below.
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
Saturday 14 November 2009
Mercedes-Benz Story on Friday 13th Nov 2009
Once again Mercedes-Benz you should be listening to the customers that purchase your cars. My passion if you read my blog roll is the dangers of lighting at night and through my job I was fortunate on this stormy night to pick up a customer from the Earls Court Exhibition up from Brighton and staying in London.
Chatting about my lights issue as I often do I asked this chap about if he drives and what car etc. Being only a short journey I asked do you have Halogen lights or Xenon lights? To my surprise without any prompting he said I have the lights that annoy and blind other people.
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
Chatting about my lights issue as I often do I asked this chap about if he drives and what car etc. Being only a short journey I asked do you have Halogen lights or Xenon lights? To my surprise without any prompting he said I have the lights that annoy and blind other people.
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
Mercedes-Benz 200 Kompressor 270/290CDI
It was some time ago that I started this quest of improving the standard of lighting on all cars and vehicles at night.
Living close to Gatwick Airport friends and relatives often wish to leave their cars here while away to sunnier climates. This will be the 1st of two blogs. It is quite old but very important.
I was blessed with the use of two Mercedes of identical blue colour with body shape that seemed almost identical but for accessories/extras for each particular model.
The CDI was equipped with the Xenon Headlights.
The Kompressor with the Halogen Headlights and headlamp scroll adjustor.
Being fortunate at having a garden with drive of well in excess of 200metresI positioned both vehicles side by side with dipped beam on. The Xenon headlights on the dipped beam setting were almost as good as the Kompressor on main beam with the adjustor on the highest setting possible.
The result being the CDI on main beam would most definitely dazzle other drivers causing them to be in danger of dealing with the Xenon light.
Quote
In my opinion most Xenon’s although good for those sitting at the wheel behind them are dangerous to all other motorists who have to deal with them.
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
Living close to Gatwick Airport friends and relatives often wish to leave their cars here while away to sunnier climates. This will be the 1st of two blogs. It is quite old but very important.
I was blessed with the use of two Mercedes of identical blue colour with body shape that seemed almost identical but for accessories/extras for each particular model.
The CDI was equipped with the Xenon Headlights.
The Kompressor with the Halogen Headlights and headlamp scroll adjustor.
Being fortunate at having a garden with drive of well in excess of 200metresI positioned both vehicles side by side with dipped beam on. The Xenon headlights on the dipped beam setting were almost as good as the Kompressor on main beam with the adjustor on the highest setting possible.
The result being the CDI on main beam would most definitely dazzle other drivers causing them to be in danger of dealing with the Xenon light.
Quote
In my opinion most Xenon’s although good for those sitting at the wheel behind them are dangerous to all other motorists who have to deal with them.
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
Monday 9 November 2009
Blindedbixenon.co in Canada
A Global Phenomenon
Blindedbixenon.co in Canada
My chosen profession as a London Taxi Driver is proving crucial in my efforts to reduce road accidents at night. Wow a second story for the blog roll on the same evening.
A Canadian Industrialist working with chemical pumps happened to be in London staying in Marylebone hailed me to go to his daughters flat in Highbury/Stoke Newington wait and return.
Once again time to chat about my lights campaign. Wow again this engineer had a Company car with the Bi-Xenon headlamps but then went on to say he actually dislikes them whilst Driving.
Keeping the message short he does little Driving at night and even though he hates Driving when others are in range who have the same lights as himself will suffer them because they do make it easier when you have them.
I then remarked what about the Driver like myself that does a full shift. 8 hours possibly with these lights constantly dazzling you.
His sympathies were with me and he was going to check my website.
EPILOG
This engineer was so on the ball about my plight I think he will go home check to see if his setting is a little high and will get AUDI to lower them to reduce the chance of blinding/dazzling other Drivers.
He also said these lights probably won’t disappear but if you get the slightly lower setting it will be generally better for most Drivers.
You can only vote if you are resident in the UK.
Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation
Or if the Daytime running lights are what bothers you please go to
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
Canadian Residents can vote on DaDRL but at present I have not found an equivalent organisation in the Canada with the same criteria as blindedbixenon.co
I am receiving huge amounts from hits from the Canada on my twitter site http://twitter.com/ my@theblinder and if there is not one someone in the Canada I am sure will take up the challenge. Are there any Canadian citizens that are like RALPH NADER trying to take on Motor Giants? USA citizens have mentioned me in the same breath that I am like RALPH taking on the Motor Giants. Makes my efforts all the more worthwhile!
Blindedbixenon.co in Canada
My chosen profession as a London Taxi Driver is proving crucial in my efforts to reduce road accidents at night. Wow a second story for the blog roll on the same evening.
A Canadian Industrialist working with chemical pumps happened to be in London staying in Marylebone hailed me to go to his daughters flat in Highbury/Stoke Newington wait and return.
Once again time to chat about my lights campaign. Wow again this engineer had a Company car with the Bi-Xenon headlamps but then went on to say he actually dislikes them whilst Driving.
Keeping the message short he does little Driving at night and even though he hates Driving when others are in range who have the same lights as himself will suffer them because they do make it easier when you have them.
I then remarked what about the Driver like myself that does a full shift. 8 hours possibly with these lights constantly dazzling you.
His sympathies were with me and he was going to check my website.
EPILOG
This engineer was so on the ball about my plight I think he will go home check to see if his setting is a little high and will get AUDI to lower them to reduce the chance of blinding/dazzling other Drivers.
He also said these lights probably won’t disappear but if you get the slightly lower setting it will be generally better for most Drivers.
You can only vote if you are resident in the UK.
Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation
Or if the Daytime running lights are what bothers you please go to
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
Canadian Residents can vote on DaDRL but at present I have not found an equivalent organisation in the Canada with the same criteria as blindedbixenon.co
I am receiving huge amounts from hits from the Canada on my twitter site http://twitter.com/ my@theblinder and if there is not one someone in the Canada I am sure will take up the challenge. Are there any Canadian citizens that are like RALPH NADER trying to take on Motor Giants? USA citizens have mentioned me in the same breath that I am like RALPH taking on the Motor Giants. Makes my efforts all the more worthwhile!
Blindedbixenon.co in the United States of America
Blinded in the USA
Is a short story about two Ladies from Connecticut who loved my campaign efforts!
Through the job I do as a London Taxi I have a brilliant opportunity getting news from around the Globe. These Blog Roll Stories must be written up immediately though or they lose some of there impact.
The two Ladies had come to visit as one had a daughter working and living in London. They hailed me as getting home to South Kensington just after a Chelsea Manchester United game was more than difficult. 40,000 supporters leaving will clog things up.
My opportunity was to quiz them on blindedbixenon USA. Wow as soon as I said do they Drive back home and have they seen or know of the Headlamp called Bi-Xenon. Music to my ears and almost in tune they both barked bark at me (We hate them).
I gave them a flyer leading to the website etc.
What then pleased me most of all was the lady who was visiting her daughter said even though I cannot vote my daughter will as she will do it for her.
EPILOG
These Bi-Xenon lights are not just a UK problem but a truly Global one. Blindedbixenon.co aims to get a tighter control over the height adjustment and significantly reduces instances of dazzle which is Dangerous to other Motorists confronted by the Glare which can almost disable the eyes completely leaving you defenceless.
You can only vote if you are resident in the UK.
Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation
Or if the Daytime running lights are what bothers you please go to
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
USA Residents can vote on DaDRL but at present I have not found an equivalent organisation in the US with the same criteria as blindedbixenon.co
I am receiving a huge amounts from hits from the USA on my twitter site at my@theblinder http://twitter.com/ and if there is not one someone in the US I am sure will take up the challenge. Just mention this as many US citizens have said you are a mini RALPH NADER trying to take on Motor Giants.
Is a short story about two Ladies from Connecticut who loved my campaign efforts!
Through the job I do as a London Taxi I have a brilliant opportunity getting news from around the Globe. These Blog Roll Stories must be written up immediately though or they lose some of there impact.
The two Ladies had come to visit as one had a daughter working and living in London. They hailed me as getting home to South Kensington just after a Chelsea Manchester United game was more than difficult. 40,000 supporters leaving will clog things up.
My opportunity was to quiz them on blindedbixenon USA. Wow as soon as I said do they Drive back home and have they seen or know of the Headlamp called Bi-Xenon. Music to my ears and almost in tune they both barked bark at me (We hate them).
I gave them a flyer leading to the website etc.
What then pleased me most of all was the lady who was visiting her daughter said even though I cannot vote my daughter will as she will do it for her.
EPILOG
These Bi-Xenon lights are not just a UK problem but a truly Global one. Blindedbixenon.co aims to get a tighter control over the height adjustment and significantly reduces instances of dazzle which is Dangerous to other Motorists confronted by the Glare which can almost disable the eyes completely leaving you defenceless.
You can only vote if you are resident in the UK.
Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation
Or if the Daytime running lights are what bothers you please go to
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
USA Residents can vote on DaDRL but at present I have not found an equivalent organisation in the US with the same criteria as blindedbixenon.co
I am receiving a huge amounts from hits from the USA on my twitter site at my@theblinder http://twitter.com/ and if there is not one someone in the US I am sure will take up the challenge. Just mention this as many US citizens have said you are a mini RALPH NADER trying to take on Motor Giants.
Saturday 7 November 2009
Dazzled Who Wins
Senior/Older Drivers Verses Xenon
A HID headlamp manufacturer touting the fact that a "xenon bulb produces more than twice the amount of light of a halogen bulb,"6 answered the question "Why does xenon light sometimes appear to irritate oncoming drivers?"6 by explaining that "due to the conspicuous colour of xenon light,drivers are more inclined to look in the headlamps."6 Older drivers encountering HID headlights on a winding two lane highway know that"photophilia" isn't the answer.
Night driving can push any visual system to its limits. Conventional clinical glare tests underestimate disability glare from moving light sources. Disability glare increases with increasing glare source brightness.HID headlights are brighter than conventional tungsten-halogen headlights.Thus, they cause more disability glare under identical viewing circumstances.
Visual quality declines with ageing, even in individuals with 20/20 visual acuity. Glare due to introacular light scattering increases with ageing,prompting many older drivers to curtail their night driving activities.Increased glare from HID headlights is one more visual hurdle for the older driver.
Aircraft landing lights would allow automobile drivers to see farther down a road. They would also incapacitate oncoming drivers. Brighter headlights do provide increased visibility for older drivers who use them. They also cause more glare for older drivers who confront them. The optimal balance in headlight brightness between owner visibility and viewer disability depends on the driving situation, but technologies are available for more adaptable,less bothersome headlight systems.
Governmental regulations determine which headlights we encounter. Acceptance or rejection of the current generation of HID xenon headlights ultimately depends on their record in traffic and litigation. Xenon bulbs make good headlights. They also make good glare sources. The additional light they project is valuable. Questions remain regarding how and where it should be projected. Until these questions are resolved, for many older drivers confronting stylish HID headlights on two lane roads, glare rather than beauty will be in the eye of the beholder.
This information came via the
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights ...
Would you like to help? Please go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation
A HID headlamp manufacturer touting the fact that a "xenon bulb produces more than twice the amount of light of a halogen bulb,"6 answered the question "Why does xenon light sometimes appear to irritate oncoming drivers?"6 by explaining that "due to the conspicuous colour of xenon light,drivers are more inclined to look in the headlamps."6 Older drivers encountering HID headlights on a winding two lane highway know that"photophilia" isn't the answer.
Night driving can push any visual system to its limits. Conventional clinical glare tests underestimate disability glare from moving light sources. Disability glare increases with increasing glare source brightness.HID headlights are brighter than conventional tungsten-halogen headlights.Thus, they cause more disability glare under identical viewing circumstances.
Visual quality declines with ageing, even in individuals with 20/20 visual acuity. Glare due to introacular light scattering increases with ageing,prompting many older drivers to curtail their night driving activities.Increased glare from HID headlights is one more visual hurdle for the older driver.
Aircraft landing lights would allow automobile drivers to see farther down a road. They would also incapacitate oncoming drivers. Brighter headlights do provide increased visibility for older drivers who use them. They also cause more glare for older drivers who confront them. The optimal balance in headlight brightness between owner visibility and viewer disability depends on the driving situation, but technologies are available for more adaptable,less bothersome headlight systems.
Governmental regulations determine which headlights we encounter. Acceptance or rejection of the current generation of HID xenon headlights ultimately depends on their record in traffic and litigation. Xenon bulbs make good headlights. They also make good glare sources. The additional light they project is valuable. Questions remain regarding how and where it should be projected. Until these questions are resolved, for many older drivers confronting stylish HID headlights on two lane roads, glare rather than beauty will be in the eye of the beholder.
This information came via the
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights ...
Would you like to help? Please go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation
Friday 6 November 2009
A Senior Lawyer
Take it from me since starting research for blindedbixenon.co the can of worms is most certainly open. A senior from J & D at the back of Fleet Street. A prominent Law Firm. Being gracious he was not young in years and living more in Ibetha than the UK. Finding it impossible to drive when dark thought it was his eyes and age.
AN OPTICIAN explained much earlier to me that in simple terms when reaching 45ish and that is for us all our eyes reaction to being dazzled will take longer to recover.
This had happened to this Lawyer and {QUOTE: He said I thought it was me) an age thing that because of being older your eyes are less tolerant.
Had your prescription changed? No.
What I would like to know is how many drivers suffer because the Manufacturers VOSA the DSA Dft forgets to take this Medical advice into account?
Make Night Driving more pleasant for seniors too!
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
AN OPTICIAN explained much earlier to me that in simple terms when reaching 45ish and that is for us all our eyes reaction to being dazzled will take longer to recover.
This had happened to this Lawyer and {QUOTE: He said I thought it was me) an age thing that because of being older your eyes are less tolerant.
Had your prescription changed? No.
What I would like to know is how many drivers suffer because the Manufacturers VOSA the DSA Dft forgets to take this Medical advice into account?
Make Night Driving more pleasant for seniors too!
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
Wednesday 4 November 2009
An ADI's Story
When will the Motor Manufacturers listen?
I am still finding it amazing how I manage to pick up good stories/information for blindedbixenon.co.uk
I was handing a flyer to a Driving Instructor in the BP petrol station at Kingswood on the 217. The instructor was so pleased to hear something was trying to be done about not only the xenon headlights but also found the new LED sidelights slightly overpowering. They are very bright and can mesmerise you to the point of distraction.
If they are doing that they must be dangerous which my thoughts are completely in tune with.
What was more than interesting was this Instructor was teaching a pupil when around a blind bend came what he said he thought was one of the new AUDI’s with LED,s and Bi-xenon’s. A combination that dazzled his pupil so badly he had to take charge of the steering wheel.
Another professional about to vote on the E Petition so that these lights do not endanger others! Even better he was not an independent so will inform the other drivers at his Driving school.
I am still finding it amazing how I manage to pick up good stories/information for blindedbixenon.co.uk
I was handing a flyer to a Driving Instructor in the BP petrol station at Kingswood on the 217. The instructor was so pleased to hear something was trying to be done about not only the xenon headlights but also found the new LED sidelights slightly overpowering. They are very bright and can mesmerise you to the point of distraction.
If they are doing that they must be dangerous which my thoughts are completely in tune with.
What was more than interesting was this Instructor was teaching a pupil when around a blind bend came what he said he thought was one of the new AUDI’s with LED,s and Bi-xenon’s. A combination that dazzled his pupil so badly he had to take charge of the steering wheel.
Another professional about to vote on the E Petition so that these lights do not endanger others! Even better he was not an independent so will inform the other drivers at his Driving school.
Tuesday 3 November 2009
A City Stockbroker
His two cars were an AUDI and a Jaguar/Land Rover Freelander.
Research can be great and this City Slicker was no exception. He found my problem with Bi-xenon lighting more than interesting.
The Freelander lights although not as good as the Bi-xenon if used correctly with the scroll switch are more than adequate. He was surprised that the poor knowledge of drivers that do not use or know of its existence. Great when you can converse with other drivers that accept their lights may be a danger or irritate others.
His second car was an AUDI. Sadly I forgot to ask which model AUDI but it is one with the Daylight Running Lights. They are irritating to me in the daytime but it’s at night when they come into there own and coupled with the Bi-xenon headlights are a total disaster to someone who has sensitive eyes. There are far more drivers than the Manufacturers and the Government realise that find them a nuisance.
They are especially awful in rain mist and fog as an uneven row of lights will cause many reflections in all sorts of directions making driving even more hazardous!
The only way to get them to listen is by voting for change. You can do this by going to
Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation
Or if the Daytime running lights are what bothers you please go to
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
Research can be great and this City Slicker was no exception. He found my problem with Bi-xenon lighting more than interesting.
The Freelander lights although not as good as the Bi-xenon if used correctly with the scroll switch are more than adequate. He was surprised that the poor knowledge of drivers that do not use or know of its existence. Great when you can converse with other drivers that accept their lights may be a danger or irritate others.
His second car was an AUDI. Sadly I forgot to ask which model AUDI but it is one with the Daylight Running Lights. They are irritating to me in the daytime but it’s at night when they come into there own and coupled with the Bi-xenon headlights are a total disaster to someone who has sensitive eyes. There are far more drivers than the Manufacturers and the Government realise that find them a nuisance.
They are especially awful in rain mist and fog as an uneven row of lights will cause many reflections in all sorts of directions making driving even more hazardous!
The only way to get them to listen is by voting for change. You can do this by going to
Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation
Or if the Daytime running lights are what bothers you please go to
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
The Living Streets [Safety Issues]
Dear Ken
Congratulations on your initiative. I do not know what you will think of it but, having for some years noticed the increasing power and unpleasantness of all vehicle lights - back and front - how about this proposition?
Sensors could be fitted to all new vehicles that would adapt the power of their running lights, back and front, depending on the level of ambient light. Power would be reduced in brightly lit city and suburban streets. It would revert to higher intensities in dark conditions.
I cannot think what the unintended side-effects would be but, provided they do not seem too serious, perhaps we should all start promoting this idea when in touch with Government officials.
With warmest regards
Terence BendixsonPresident
Living Streets - The Pedestrians Associationc/o 39 Elm Park GardensLondon SW10 9QF020 7352 3885
Hi Terence,
Thank you for congratulating me as many have already. If you do not know I am a London Cabbie [The Black Cab which is London’s Finest]. We do have the odd rogue amongst us. 40.000 Roughly so there is bound to be a bad apple or two. I personally have always cared about the condition of my vehicle other motorists and pedestrians. I have spoken to many people on this subject and there are rotten eggs in all baskets bad Policeman Truckers Bus Drivers. The majority of us are caring citizens so let’s get them voting making life better for us all including sadly those amongst us that would be better sent to a colony where they could ruin it for themselves and not the rest of us.
I am concentrating on the Bi-xenon headlight first as a salesman from the Guy Salmon Dealership of Surbiton explained to a customer who purchased a brand new Range Rover to be careful as his new Bi-xenon lights which came standard on the model he was purchasing would cause other drivers to flash him. This salesman was real dipstick as he then said do not worry as your vehicle passes all Government tests.
Jaguar/Land Rover admitted to me after my MP wrote to them that many organisations had complained VOCIFEROUSLY about their lights. Are they listening NO! They say it is because they pass all current regulations.
QUOTE [My MP wrote with his own hand on a reply to me :- + Which suggests that there may be a need to change the regulations!] That could not be any clearer an MP that knows the regulations are outdated!
Fancy that selling a vehicle to a customer costing over £50,000 which will blind other motorists’ cyclists and PEDESTRIANS! Then telling him because the current regulations allow this he can drive with impunity.
Before I get on your idea about sensors you also mentioned the brightness of rear lights. I have noticed that many brake lights have had the power raised and are as bright as or brighter than rear fog lights. Early models that easily noticeable are the Volvo estate Peugeot 307 and Mitsubishi Grandis but many more will be emerging and are already out there.
I have not confirmed this but Mercedes have a form of sensors fitted already but at an additional cost. The only problem is like the reply I received from Jaguar/Land Rover they refer to all their vehicles passing current regulations.
My E Petition needs voters and if Pedestrians want less dazzle when walking on pavements next to a busy road at night they also could join my band of supporters on getting the regulation on the dazzling lights changed. Drivers will still benefit they just need to be lowered a little and all that is gained from them will not be lost.
I have at present at least 20 or more ADI’s that have voted on my E Petition and have been asked to write an article for ADI News on the dangers and out of date regulations that allow these lights to dazzle and intimidate others. I also have been on TV’s The One Show BBC Radio the Surrey Mirror and Driving Magazine for Advanced Drivers and Riders etc etc.
I have just joined the ABD and made friends with recently with the DaDRL and both are good sources of info and help.
If we all work together and specialise on our own particular cause we have more chance of benefits for the future.
You can find my twitters at theblinder and my short true stories on blogger at blindinglightsetc big blinding blogger and my website at blindedbixenon.co
With the brightest warmest regards Ken
Ken
Thanks for that.
Co-incidentally I am involved in a court case in which I am giving evidence for a Black Cabbie following a crash in the Brompton Road. I was bicycling along, saw it happen and gave my card to the cabbie. His lawyers later got in touch with me. The poor bloke had the back of his vehicle hit by a motorcyclist who passed close to me as I pedalled along near the kerb, swung out to the middle of the road to pass the cab, discovered that it was joining a queue to turn right into Beauchamp Place, swung back to the left but, as she, yes SHE, was going too fast, hit the left back side of the cab. He has a whiplash injury.
And over the years I have had many blessed encounters with cabbies. You are a good lot.
Cheers
Terence
Go Living Streets on twitter http://twitter.com/livingstreets
Congratulations on your initiative. I do not know what you will think of it but, having for some years noticed the increasing power and unpleasantness of all vehicle lights - back and front - how about this proposition?
Sensors could be fitted to all new vehicles that would adapt the power of their running lights, back and front, depending on the level of ambient light. Power would be reduced in brightly lit city and suburban streets. It would revert to higher intensities in dark conditions.
I cannot think what the unintended side-effects would be but, provided they do not seem too serious, perhaps we should all start promoting this idea when in touch with Government officials.
With warmest regards
Terence BendixsonPresident
Living Streets - The Pedestrians Associationc/o 39 Elm Park GardensLondon SW10 9QF020 7352 3885
Hi Terence,
Thank you for congratulating me as many have already. If you do not know I am a London Cabbie [The Black Cab which is London’s Finest]. We do have the odd rogue amongst us. 40.000 Roughly so there is bound to be a bad apple or two. I personally have always cared about the condition of my vehicle other motorists and pedestrians. I have spoken to many people on this subject and there are rotten eggs in all baskets bad Policeman Truckers Bus Drivers. The majority of us are caring citizens so let’s get them voting making life better for us all including sadly those amongst us that would be better sent to a colony where they could ruin it for themselves and not the rest of us.
I am concentrating on the Bi-xenon headlight first as a salesman from the Guy Salmon Dealership of Surbiton explained to a customer who purchased a brand new Range Rover to be careful as his new Bi-xenon lights which came standard on the model he was purchasing would cause other drivers to flash him. This salesman was real dipstick as he then said do not worry as your vehicle passes all Government tests.
Jaguar/Land Rover admitted to me after my MP wrote to them that many organisations had complained VOCIFEROUSLY about their lights. Are they listening NO! They say it is because they pass all current regulations.
QUOTE [My MP wrote with his own hand on a reply to me :- + Which suggests that there may be a need to change the regulations!] That could not be any clearer an MP that knows the regulations are outdated!
Fancy that selling a vehicle to a customer costing over £50,000 which will blind other motorists’ cyclists and PEDESTRIANS! Then telling him because the current regulations allow this he can drive with impunity.
Before I get on your idea about sensors you also mentioned the brightness of rear lights. I have noticed that many brake lights have had the power raised and are as bright as or brighter than rear fog lights. Early models that easily noticeable are the Volvo estate Peugeot 307 and Mitsubishi Grandis but many more will be emerging and are already out there.
I have not confirmed this but Mercedes have a form of sensors fitted already but at an additional cost. The only problem is like the reply I received from Jaguar/Land Rover they refer to all their vehicles passing current regulations.
My E Petition needs voters and if Pedestrians want less dazzle when walking on pavements next to a busy road at night they also could join my band of supporters on getting the regulation on the dazzling lights changed. Drivers will still benefit they just need to be lowered a little and all that is gained from them will not be lost.
I have at present at least 20 or more ADI’s that have voted on my E Petition and have been asked to write an article for ADI News on the dangers and out of date regulations that allow these lights to dazzle and intimidate others. I also have been on TV’s The One Show BBC Radio the Surrey Mirror and Driving Magazine for Advanced Drivers and Riders etc etc.
I have just joined the ABD and made friends with recently with the DaDRL and both are good sources of info and help.
If we all work together and specialise on our own particular cause we have more chance of benefits for the future.
You can find my twitters at theblinder and my short true stories on blogger at blindinglightsetc big blinding blogger and my website at blindedbixenon.co
With the brightest warmest regards Ken
Ken
Thanks for that.
Co-incidentally I am involved in a court case in which I am giving evidence for a Black Cabbie following a crash in the Brompton Road. I was bicycling along, saw it happen and gave my card to the cabbie. His lawyers later got in touch with me. The poor bloke had the back of his vehicle hit by a motorcyclist who passed close to me as I pedalled along near the kerb, swung out to the middle of the road to pass the cab, discovered that it was joining a queue to turn right into Beauchamp Place, swung back to the left but, as she, yes SHE, was going too fast, hit the left back side of the cab. He has a whiplash injury.
And over the years I have had many blessed encounters with cabbies. You are a good lot.
Cheers
Terence
Go Living Streets on twitter http://twitter.com/livingstreets
Sunday 1 November 2009
RENAULT TRAFIC
I had a great conversation with a policeman about the headlamps. As we were fuelling our vehicles in the BP garage Lower Kingswood I asked him if other drivers had flashed his vehicle whilst he was driving. The policeman said yes many times. I asked him if he had used his headlamp adjustment switch, and once again to my surprise the Officer politely asked me to show him where his switch was, and how to use it. We met a few minutes later after filling our vehicles up in the shop and I certainly had got him thinking as he said to me I think many more road users would have flashed my wrongly set lights but for the fact I was driving a Police Van.
Just imagine if all Police vehicles had xenon lights. To stop incedents of dazzle plese vote on ly petition.
Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
If it is a problem with the Daytime Running Lights that effect you please vote on the DaDRL link
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights ...
Just imagine if all Police vehicles had xenon lights. To stop incedents of dazzle plese vote on ly petition.
Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
If it is a problem with the Daytime Running Lights that effect you please vote on the DaDRL link
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights ...
CHRYSLER 300C SALOON
This model also seems to have a dazzling headlight problem although not many appear to be on our streets the ones I do see generally are atrocious. Once again I managed to capture a driver whilst filling up with fuel. The driver of the 300C was very accommodating, showing me how the bixenon lights self-level with an ambient over glow from these powerful lights. He then showed me a manual switch that will override the automatic setting of the bixenon lights. To me this seems to defeat the object of self-leveling. I would appreciate anyone reading this that has knowledge of the 300C is this standard on all models as this one came via Germany and may have had special editions on it.
A manual override on lights that are supposed to be automatic just does not make sense!
I have a Petition to help reduce dazzling instances.
A manual override on lights that are supposed to be automatic just does not make sense!
I have a Petition to help reduce dazzling instances.
Saturday 31 October 2009
PORSCHE CAYENNE
A rather interesting chap from Chipstead Rd Fulham was enjoying getting to grips with the Bi-xenon story. He had realized that his Porsche was dazzling other drivers. Taking the time and trouble he returned it to his dealer to reset the automatic lights. The garage confirmed his lights were ok but nothing was done and his lights were still awful to others. He assured me that as he knew his lights were dazzling others because of our conversation he would return to his garage and insist on lowering the initial setting of his headlights.
He wanted me to give a definative answer as to why porsche did not change his headlight settings.
At present they are abiding to the current regulations which in my opinion have not caught up with this new generation of lighting!
He wanted me to give a definative answer as to why porsche did not change his headlight settings.
At present they are abiding to the current regulations which in my opinion have not caught up with this new generation of lighting!
PORSCHE CAYENNE
I spoke to a lady that had owned a Porsche Cayenne for three years. When she drove at night she regularly was flashed by other road users but had no idea why. When it went for its MOT to the local garage it failed the Cayenne because the headlamps beams were too high. They were not a Porsche affiliated garage so she was asked to take the vehicle to Porsche to have the lights reset. The Porsche garage found no fault with the lights and was an MOT approved garage.
The lights do pass current regulations. I think that means the regulations need to be changed?
The lights do pass current regulations. I think that means the regulations need to be changed?
Sunday 20 September 2009
The House of Commons
Security is big and understandable, but once I am inside parking under the shadow of Big Ben is powerfully impressive. Luckily for me I had time to park up and wait for my customer. Whilst chatting to two of the Police on security duty I had time to give them my flyer and get them to read the [Lightmare article in Driving Magazine]. I wont be thanked if he reads this but one of the Policeman had hired a car for the weekend and loaded it quite heavily. A new vehicle with great reflectors even if the lights are not bixenon when high beaming due to weight can be very dangerous to other road users on a country lane. As this officer was driving he was totally unaware of the pain and distress he was causing to other drivers. He had not noticed other drivers had been flashing him with their distress, it actually took a passenger in his car to say how come we are a long way from home and you know so many people along this road. I am glad to say he then openly admitted he was one of the many thousands of culprits who have caused distress to others. I am glad to say he then found his scroll headlamp adjustment switch set his lights properly and after reading my article will hopefully be more aware and not distress other drivers
The Knowledge
TX1 LONDON TAXI 1997
Had a conversation with the driver of the above Taxi in the Texaco garage next to Asda Rhoehampton 2am approx. Like most of us working at night he had been blinded many times by other road users. I asked him if he had ever used his headlamp adjustment switch. To my amazement he never knew he had such a switch. Upon checking his lights lowering his beam angle from 0 to 2 he was amazed that his lights set on 0 would definitely blind other road users. After telling me he had the R registration Taxi from new and never used his headlamp beam adjuster or even knew of its existence. I am glad to say he went away happy with his newly acquired knowledge.
Had a conversation with the driver of the above Taxi in the Texaco garage next to Asda Rhoehampton 2am approx. Like most of us working at night he had been blinded many times by other road users. I asked him if he had ever used his headlamp adjustment switch. To my amazement he never knew he had such a switch. Upon checking his lights lowering his beam angle from 0 to 2 he was amazed that his lights set on 0 would definitely blind other road users. After telling me he had the R registration Taxi from new and never used his headlamp beam adjuster or even knew of its existence. I am glad to say he went away happy with his newly acquired knowledge.
A Lady With Style & BMW X5
I spoke to a very nice lady from the Midlands who had brought a new X5, and after being flashed nearly 50 times in the first two days of owning her BMW she telephoned her brother as she could find no way of lowering her dipped beam and she knew she was blinding others. Luckily for her the brother had a Range Rover that had the same problem. He proceeded to tell his sister to take her new X5 back to where it was brought and get them to readjust the headlights. The BMW dealership said nothing was wrong with her headlights. I am glad to say my lady was adamant and refused to leave the showroom in her new vehicle unless her lights were cranked down. This was done very reluctantly by the BMW dealership.
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
If daytime lights are becoming a problem to you click the link below.
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
Go to Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation ...
If daytime lights are becoming a problem to you click the link below.
DaDRL UK Vote against Daytime Running Lights
Sunday 6 September 2009
Blinding others
Independent businessman (Chelsea Bridge Wharf)
Another big story as I did the survey on Blinding Lights the businessman above had had a number of problems with the lights as his eyes were sensitive and found the lights from other vehicles were blinding him.
What was most tragic he once had a BMW with the bixenon lights and was fed up with other drivers flashing him? In fact the problem with other drivers flashing him got so bad he would retaliate by flashing them.
As our conversation went on the Penny dropped that the reason he was getting flashed was he was blinding them as his vehicle was supplied wrongly and the garages are still sending them out wrongly because the current test is inadequate.
Another big story as I did the survey on Blinding Lights the businessman above had had a number of problems with the lights as his eyes were sensitive and found the lights from other vehicles were blinding him.
What was most tragic he once had a BMW with the bixenon lights and was fed up with other drivers flashing him? In fact the problem with other drivers flashing him got so bad he would retaliate by flashing them.
As our conversation went on the Penny dropped that the reason he was getting flashed was he was blinding them as his vehicle was supplied wrongly and the garages are still sending them out wrongly because the current test is inadequate.
Survey for Opticians
Online petition or survey that could be carried out by opticians
Light sensitive eye test to be carried out in participating opticians as I believe it is apparent from my campaign there are more than 50% of drivers that suffer due to the introduction of the new bixenon lights.
The small questionnaire should probably ask.
1: Are you a driver and do you drive at night A) Often
B) Occasionally
C) Very Little
2: When driving at night do the new brighter lights on all vehicles including busses bother you? A) Yes
B) No
3: Did you think it was just particularly you? A) Yes
B) No
4: If you find the lights a problem is it worse when vehicles come up close from behind or when coming towards you. A) Towards you
B) From behind you
5: What is your eye colour?
Although it's not a hard and fast rule dark brown eyes generally let in less light than tyhe lighter blue or green eyes.
Do you believe the Manufacturers and Government has not taken enough consideration into light sensitive eyes.
Light sensitive eye test to be carried out in participating opticians as I believe it is apparent from my campaign there are more than 50% of drivers that suffer due to the introduction of the new bixenon lights.
The small questionnaire should probably ask.
1: Are you a driver and do you drive at night A) Often
B) Occasionally
C) Very Little
2: When driving at night do the new brighter lights on all vehicles including busses bother you? A) Yes
B) No
3: Did you think it was just particularly you? A) Yes
B) No
4: If you find the lights a problem is it worse when vehicles come up close from behind or when coming towards you. A) Towards you
B) From behind you
5: What is your eye colour?
Although it's not a hard and fast rule dark brown eyes generally let in less light than tyhe lighter blue or green eyes.
Do you believe the Manufacturers and Government has not taken enough consideration into light sensitive eyes.
Motorcycles
I had to do some digging for this one I have found being blinded from Motorcycles like all vehicles is becoming a regular occurrence. Weekends seemed to be the worst and the obvious dry days of the limited summer gives us each year,
Sadly I feel in my opinion the Government has got this wrong too and have been running a campaign to make sure Motorcyclists have bright lights day and night. This I found is just throwing another problem into the mix. Lights on these Motorcycles do help during the day but when it comes to the hours of darkness the headlights on these bikes are so good and often set incorrectly as to blind oncoming drivers. This problem is far worse when a pillion is carried and to adjust the headlight down is rarely used and why at weekends this is more prevalent. Especially on a country lane where many of these Motorcyclists die!
I quoted before 40% of all accidents happen in the hours of darkness well surprise I have found 65% of all deaths in England and Wales are from Motorcycles.
The scenario is as I am definitely being blinded by new lights on these during daylight hours when it comes to night time these bikes are as bad as cars and other vehicles and when they are coming down a lane you are not sure if it’s the one eyed monster which is the vehicle with only one headlight which confuses many of us. If I remember correctly Ealing council tried running a campaign without much success so we have the problem and can we deal with it. Blindedbixenon will try if our other is successful.
Our petition at Parliament at the moment is to revise the light act because of the dangers that the bixenon so please vote.
Let’s keep Motorcycles on the back burner as 65% is a huge amount to work on. The distress too many families and especially that of the rider who does not get to enjoy life.
Lives lost due to some very tiny adjustments and slightly inadequate training can be done if we are successful with our first e petition.
Sadly I feel in my opinion the Government has got this wrong too and have been running a campaign to make sure Motorcyclists have bright lights day and night. This I found is just throwing another problem into the mix. Lights on these Motorcycles do help during the day but when it comes to the hours of darkness the headlights on these bikes are so good and often set incorrectly as to blind oncoming drivers. This problem is far worse when a pillion is carried and to adjust the headlight down is rarely used and why at weekends this is more prevalent. Especially on a country lane where many of these Motorcyclists die!
I quoted before 40% of all accidents happen in the hours of darkness well surprise I have found 65% of all deaths in England and Wales are from Motorcycles.
The scenario is as I am definitely being blinded by new lights on these during daylight hours when it comes to night time these bikes are as bad as cars and other vehicles and when they are coming down a lane you are not sure if it’s the one eyed monster which is the vehicle with only one headlight which confuses many of us. If I remember correctly Ealing council tried running a campaign without much success so we have the problem and can we deal with it. Blindedbixenon will try if our other is successful.
Our petition at Parliament at the moment is to revise the light act because of the dangers that the bixenon so please vote.
Let’s keep Motorcycles on the back burner as 65% is a huge amount to work on. The distress too many families and especially that of the rider who does not get to enjoy life.
Lives lost due to some very tiny adjustments and slightly inadequate training can be done if we are successful with our first e petition.
Fleet Owners Info
Dear sir or Madam,
My name is Ken Perham and I am attempting to reduce accidents injuries and loss of life in the hours of darkness.
I am very positive if you take on board my suggestions you will find your drivers that I regularly see at night will be better received than thought of as white van man which is a slang term for drivers with company vans who are probably a little aggressive in their approach to driving and in getting to and from their current job.
I am actually not sure how big your fleet is but I feel sure it is quite comprehensive and as you say you are a progressive company you could be the first to take on board what I am trying to achieve.
I have found that the lack of knowledge of not the younger driver’s but those with 20 or more years driving experience who actually quite often have a reasonable record of competence have no idea that on the Van or Car that they are driving has a headlamp scroll switch that will probably lower the dip beam when carrying heavy loads if set correctly in the first place.
I could go on for hours on this lights subject but what I would appreciate if this letter gets to your department that deals with your vehicles that get involved in accidents in the hours of darkness and you find a common denominator with your vehicles being involved in accidents because the drivers had fully laden vehicles and had not lowered their lights I am sure we could discuss this further.
I have a letter from Rosie Winterton our Minister of Transport actually stating most drivers with these Headlamp switches do not use them.
Here are a couple of stories that back up my claims. I spoke to a Police officer who was driving a Renault Trafic at the time and I asked him about hid headlamp adjustment switch and gave him some of my paperwork on the subject of safer night driving and being blinded by drivers with lack of knowledge of driving with heavy loads. The officer asked me to show him his switch.
A Gas engineer from Onstream gas came to my house to change my outdated gas meter driving a Vauxhall Vivarro which is very similar to the Renault and the driver of this van had actually had an altercation with a driver the night before he came to me. The driver of the other vehicle complained to my engineer that he was being blinded but my man had no idea or knowledge of his headlight adjustment switch and was so amazed when I showed him he was eager to sign the petition I had started trying to raise awareness’ and improve the roads for the benefit of us all.
Look up my website blindedbixenon.co.uk and as a driver myself that has worked solely at night for the last 36 years in central London I feel many problems out there at night could be dealt with in a more organised way.
Yours sincerely Ken Perham
My name is Ken Perham and I am attempting to reduce accidents injuries and loss of life in the hours of darkness.
I am very positive if you take on board my suggestions you will find your drivers that I regularly see at night will be better received than thought of as white van man which is a slang term for drivers with company vans who are probably a little aggressive in their approach to driving and in getting to and from their current job.
I am actually not sure how big your fleet is but I feel sure it is quite comprehensive and as you say you are a progressive company you could be the first to take on board what I am trying to achieve.
I have found that the lack of knowledge of not the younger driver’s but those with 20 or more years driving experience who actually quite often have a reasonable record of competence have no idea that on the Van or Car that they are driving has a headlamp scroll switch that will probably lower the dip beam when carrying heavy loads if set correctly in the first place.
I could go on for hours on this lights subject but what I would appreciate if this letter gets to your department that deals with your vehicles that get involved in accidents in the hours of darkness and you find a common denominator with your vehicles being involved in accidents because the drivers had fully laden vehicles and had not lowered their lights I am sure we could discuss this further.
I have a letter from Rosie Winterton our Minister of Transport actually stating most drivers with these Headlamp switches do not use them.
Here are a couple of stories that back up my claims. I spoke to a Police officer who was driving a Renault Trafic at the time and I asked him about hid headlamp adjustment switch and gave him some of my paperwork on the subject of safer night driving and being blinded by drivers with lack of knowledge of driving with heavy loads. The officer asked me to show him his switch.
A Gas engineer from Onstream gas came to my house to change my outdated gas meter driving a Vauxhall Vivarro which is very similar to the Renault and the driver of this van had actually had an altercation with a driver the night before he came to me. The driver of the other vehicle complained to my engineer that he was being blinded but my man had no idea or knowledge of his headlight adjustment switch and was so amazed when I showed him he was eager to sign the petition I had started trying to raise awareness’ and improve the roads for the benefit of us all.
Look up my website blindedbixenon.co.uk and as a driver myself that has worked solely at night for the last 36 years in central London I feel many problems out there at night could be dealt with in a more organised way.
Yours sincerely Ken Perham
Edenbridge Fireman
A Fireman’s Story
Research for blindedbixenon has thrown up some good and bad in the people I question especially if they are in positions like the Fire service, Police and Ambulance etc.
Questioning has become a way of life at the moment and Solicitors have become the target on every high street but while pacing around Edenbridge I came across a tiny Fire station and never to miss an opportunity looked to see if anyone was available to talk to.
Only one officer available but that’s all you need as I went through my routine questioning about my lights issue. Like many he had noticed the improvement in the lights but only does a limited amount of driving at night but understood that the more you were on the road the more the lights could make you tired because of the brightness.
Bingo something new and those who read this don’t think its cart Blanche to drive like the many fast drivers we meet on a regular basis. Firstly he thought my lights issue was probably a contributing factor to some accidents. The brightness was also making driving more difficult for some. The bingo bonus was he had noticed over the last ten years that the crumple zones on cars of all shapes and sizes has been improved dramatically to the point that when vehicles have crashes they the Fire service don’t have to cut so many drivers out. Even though this safety feature was not on my agenda it was good to know the manufacturers had something of an improvement in safety.
Research for blindedbixenon has thrown up some good and bad in the people I question especially if they are in positions like the Fire service, Police and Ambulance etc.
Questioning has become a way of life at the moment and Solicitors have become the target on every high street but while pacing around Edenbridge I came across a tiny Fire station and never to miss an opportunity looked to see if anyone was available to talk to.
Only one officer available but that’s all you need as I went through my routine questioning about my lights issue. Like many he had noticed the improvement in the lights but only does a limited amount of driving at night but understood that the more you were on the road the more the lights could make you tired because of the brightness.
Bingo something new and those who read this don’t think its cart Blanche to drive like the many fast drivers we meet on a regular basis. Firstly he thought my lights issue was probably a contributing factor to some accidents. The brightness was also making driving more difficult for some. The bingo bonus was he had noticed over the last ten years that the crumple zones on cars of all shapes and sizes has been improved dramatically to the point that when vehicles have crashes they the Fire service don’t have to cut so many drivers out. Even though this safety feature was not on my agenda it was good to know the manufacturers had something of an improvement in safety.
Petition support
Hello Ken,
Thank you for setting this petition up - I have just signed it. I'm so glad someone is making a stand on these dreadful and, in my opinion, dangerous headlights. I am absolutely dreading the winter when I have to drive to work and home again in the dark. All because of these halogen lamps. There really is no need to have them so bright that they blind oncoming drivers. The old style head lamps were just as good. All we need is enough light to see the road ahead, not to make flightpath landing lights for oncoming aircraft! I wonder for whose benefit the head lamps were intended for in the first place - it certainly couldn't have been for the ordinary driver. Why would we want to be dazzled and blinded every time we take to the road? I live near some very dark country roads so the Bixenon lights are even more pronounced. I wouldn't be surprised if they were the reason behind many accidents - I'm certain they will cause a lot more.
And as for lorries using them, well that's just a joke! They are already lit up like Xmas trees at night. You can see them coming from miles away. Only trouble is, they don't seem to see us until after they've gone in to the back of us!
I do hope you get your petition heard and agreed with as I really would like to be able to drive at night without being constantly blinded. If the Govt. don't listen, perhaps they will pay someone to design special night glasses for us all to use?
Thanks again and good luck.
Kind regards
Deborah Smith
Thank you for setting this petition up - I have just signed it. I'm so glad someone is making a stand on these dreadful and, in my opinion, dangerous headlights. I am absolutely dreading the winter when I have to drive to work and home again in the dark. All because of these halogen lamps. There really is no need to have them so bright that they blind oncoming drivers. The old style head lamps were just as good. All we need is enough light to see the road ahead, not to make flightpath landing lights for oncoming aircraft! I wonder for whose benefit the head lamps were intended for in the first place - it certainly couldn't have been for the ordinary driver. Why would we want to be dazzled and blinded every time we take to the road? I live near some very dark country roads so the Bixenon lights are even more pronounced. I wouldn't be surprised if they were the reason behind many accidents - I'm certain they will cause a lot more.
And as for lorries using them, well that's just a joke! They are already lit up like Xmas trees at night. You can see them coming from miles away. Only trouble is, they don't seem to see us until after they've gone in to the back of us!
I do hope you get your petition heard and agreed with as I really would like to be able to drive at night without being constantly blinded. If the Govt. don't listen, perhaps they will pay someone to design special night glasses for us all to use?
Thanks again and good luck.
Kind regards
Deborah Smith
Friday 28 August 2009
Blinded by the light
You may have seen the informative article on the pressures and problems of night driving in the December edition of Driving magazine. This was written by our own Howard Redwood in association with Ken Perham, a London taxi driver, who for the last 37 years has worked only at night.
Ken has been campaigning tirelessly about the intensity and design of the bi-xenon lighting system on modern cars. This system is standard equipment on many models now and produces a system which is up to 60% brighter than standard halogen lamps.
Manufacturers extol the virtues of this in their sales literature, saying how much safer it makes driving at night. The problem with the system is that it ‘floats’ and does not have a scroll switch to enable the driver to adjust the height of the lights according to the load being carried. This causes severe dazzle to anyone in front of the vehicle – not just oncoming drivers but anyone travelling in the same direction as well.
Ken is constantly hearing tales of woe from passengers who have taken their bi-xenon equipped vehicles back to the dealership, explaining that they are constantly being flashed by oncoming vehicles and asking for their headlamps to be set correctly.
Needless to say, dealerships tell customers they cannot alter the lights – and not only because they have no guidelines for this system. They insist that the lights have been factory set so they must be legal!
Recent statistics show that 40% of all road traffic collisions (RTCs) between October and March take place during the hours of darkness. Although the statistics do not specifically list how many of these collisions are due to dazzle, it is recognised to have played a part in a significant number of them.
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (RVLR) 1989 are unequivocal. Schedule 4, Part 1, Section 4 clearly states that lights must not be set to dazzle other drivers.
(As an aside, this brings up the use of the scroll switch for adjusting headlamp height. A great number of high mileage truck and car drivers have told Ken that they had never been taught how to use a scroll switch to set lights according to loads carried. It’s an interesting point. Using one is straightforward enough, but perhaps this question should be added to ‘Show me, tell me’ questions.)
Ken has now finally got the attention of his two local MPs and has set up a petition on the government’s No10 website. If you’ve been dazzled by bi-xenon headlights, the address of Ken’s website is www.blindedbixenon.co.uk. And it only takes a few minutes to log on to http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/blindedbixenon/ and add your name or organisation to the petition to get the RVLR 1989 updated.
Let’s try and make it safer for everyone!
Ken has been campaigning tirelessly about the intensity and design of the bi-xenon lighting system on modern cars. This system is standard equipment on many models now and produces a system which is up to 60% brighter than standard halogen lamps.
Manufacturers extol the virtues of this in their sales literature, saying how much safer it makes driving at night. The problem with the system is that it ‘floats’ and does not have a scroll switch to enable the driver to adjust the height of the lights according to the load being carried. This causes severe dazzle to anyone in front of the vehicle – not just oncoming drivers but anyone travelling in the same direction as well.
Ken is constantly hearing tales of woe from passengers who have taken their bi-xenon equipped vehicles back to the dealership, explaining that they are constantly being flashed by oncoming vehicles and asking for their headlamps to be set correctly.
Needless to say, dealerships tell customers they cannot alter the lights – and not only because they have no guidelines for this system. They insist that the lights have been factory set so they must be legal!
Recent statistics show that 40% of all road traffic collisions (RTCs) between October and March take place during the hours of darkness. Although the statistics do not specifically list how many of these collisions are due to dazzle, it is recognised to have played a part in a significant number of them.
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (RVLR) 1989 are unequivocal. Schedule 4, Part 1, Section 4 clearly states that lights must not be set to dazzle other drivers.
(As an aside, this brings up the use of the scroll switch for adjusting headlamp height. A great number of high mileage truck and car drivers have told Ken that they had never been taught how to use a scroll switch to set lights according to loads carried. It’s an interesting point. Using one is straightforward enough, but perhaps this question should be added to ‘Show me, tell me’ questions.)
Ken has now finally got the attention of his two local MPs and has set up a petition on the government’s No10 website. If you’ve been dazzled by bi-xenon headlights, the address of Ken’s website is www.blindedbixenon.co.uk. And it only takes a few minutes to log on to http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/blindedbixenon/ and add your name or organisation to the petition to get the RVLR 1989 updated.
Let’s try and make it safer for everyone!
Click here: Petition to: revise the RVLR 1989 regulation about dazzling of other drivers. Lights must not be set to dazzle oth
DO YOU DRIVE AT NIGHT?
Have you been blinded by new vehicle lights?
www.blindedbixenon.co.uk has an ongoing study on the bi-xenon headlamp as well as the old halogen. We have found instances of blinding from the new bi-xenon lamp to be so bad that you are partially blinded and believe this to be an unnecessary danger and hazard. Although the lights appear to be beneficial to the driver the problems caused to other road users and pedestrians are far worse.
The predecessor to bi-xenon, is the halogen which usually comes with a scroll switch which will adjust this headlamp according to passengers and luggage weight. A great invention to help drivers of all vehicles from blinding other road users! There is little to no knowledge about this feature which could prevent accidents and save lives. The Minister of Transport confirmed this to us directly.
Because instances of blinding has become so common we have a Parliamentary Petition and we would appreciate if you feel the current light act of 20 years is out of date with this new bi-xenon technology add your vote online.
If you have any thoughts on this issue please email me:- ken@blindedbixenon.co.uk
This below is our petition on the Number 10 Downing Street website:-
Your petition has been approved by the Number 10 web team, and is now available on the Number 10 website at the following address:-http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/blindedbixenon/
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to revise the RVLR 1989 Regulation about dazzling of other drivers. Lights must not be set to dazzle other drivers as stated in Schedule 4, Part1, Section 4 of the RVLR 1989.
This Act is clearly, in our opinion, out of date, so please check our website for updates and register your vote on the e-Petition, so we will all be working to make the roads safer for everyone.
40% of all accidents happen in the hours of darkness.
Any other information contact website Administrator:- admin@blindedbixenon.co.uk
500 Votes will allow me to ask the right questions. If you sign up to my E Petition Number 10 will email you to inform that I have been successful MANY THANKS, KEN.
____________________________________________________________________
Night Driving Issue In the December edition of Driving, there was an informative article on the pressures of night driving. This was written by our own Howard Redwood in association with Ken Perham, a London taxi driver, who has spent the last 37 years operating solely on night duty.
Ken has been campaigning tirelessly about the intensity and design of the Bi-xenon lighting system on modern cars. This system is standard on the models which it is fitted to, and produces a system which is up to 60% more intense than the standard halogen lamps.
The manufacturers use this information in their sales literature as a ‘Unique Selling Point’ (USP) to persuade a prospective buyer, that a driver of these vehicles will be able to see more whilst night driving. The problem with the system is that it ‘floats’ and therefore does not have a scroll switch to adjust the height of the lights according to the load being carried in the vehicle, thus causing severe dazzle to oncoming drivers.
Ken has been hearing some alarming reports from passengers he has conveyed across London, that tell stories of drivers, who own a vehicle with bi-xenon’s, who have been taking their vehicle back to the dealership to report that the owner felt that the bi-xenon’s were incorrectly set, due to the amount of on-coming vehicles flashing them for high lights or a mistaken main beam! The dealerships have refused to alter the lights, and have admitted that they have no guidelines for this system and because the lights have been factory set then they must be legal!!
Recent statistics show that 40% of all Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) between October and March (G.M.T) take place between the hours of darkness. Although the statistics do not prove how many of these collisions are due to dazzle, it is recognised to have played a part in a significant number of them.
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (RVLR) 1989 clearly state in Schedule 4, Part 1, Section 4, ‘Lights must not be set to dazzle other drivers’
This also brings into question the use of the ‘scroll switch’ for other vehicles, with alternative lighting systems. Ken has had numerous remarks made to him by several high mileage truck and car drivers, who commented, that they had not been inducted to the use of a scroll switch to set lights according to loads carried. Perhaps this question should be added to the ‘show me – tell me’.
Ken has now finally got the attention of his two local MPs and has been asked to petition number 10. We are all part of the grand scheme of road safety. Perhaps you could see your way to Ken’s website:
www.blindedbixenon.co.uk or log on to http://petitions.number10.gov/blindedbixenon and add your name or organisation to the petition to get the RVLR 1989 updated.
Let’s try and make it safer for everyone
Sandra www.snsdrivertraining.co.uk
DO YOU DRIVE AT NIGHT?
Have you been blinded by new vehicle lights?
www.blindedbixenon.co.uk has an ongoing study on the bi-xenon headlamp as well as the old halogen. We have found instances of blinding from the new bi-xenon lamp to be so bad that you are partially blinded and believe this to be an unnecessary danger and hazard. Although the lights appear to be beneficial to the driver the problems caused to other road users and pedestrians are far worse.
The predecessor to bi-xenon, is the halogen which usually comes with a scroll switch which will adjust this headlamp according to passengers and luggage weight. A great invention to help drivers of all vehicles from blinding other road users! There is little to no knowledge about this feature which could prevent accidents and save lives. The Minister of Transport confirmed this to us directly.
Because instances of blinding has become so common we have a Parliamentary Petition and we would appreciate if you feel the current light act of 20 years is out of date with this new bi-xenon technology add your vote online.
If you have any thoughts on this issue please email me:- ken@blindedbixenon.co.uk
This below is our petition on the Number 10 Downing Street website:-
Your petition has been approved by the Number 10 web team, and is now available on the Number 10 website at the following address:-http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/blindedbixenon/
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to revise the RVLR 1989 Regulation about dazzling of other drivers. Lights must not be set to dazzle other drivers as stated in Schedule 4, Part1, Section 4 of the RVLR 1989.
This Act is clearly, in our opinion, out of date, so please check our website for updates and register your vote on the e-Petition, so we will all be working to make the roads safer for everyone.
40% of all accidents happen in the hours of darkness.
Any other information contact website Administrator:- admin@blindedbixenon.co.uk
500 Votes will allow me to ask the right questions. If you sign up to my E Petition Number 10 will email you to inform that I have been successful MANY THANKS, KEN.
____________________________________________________________________
Night Driving Issue In the December edition of Driving, there was an informative article on the pressures of night driving. This was written by our own Howard Redwood in association with Ken Perham, a London taxi driver, who has spent the last 37 years operating solely on night duty.
Ken has been campaigning tirelessly about the intensity and design of the Bi-xenon lighting system on modern cars. This system is standard on the models which it is fitted to, and produces a system which is up to 60% more intense than the standard halogen lamps.
The manufacturers use this information in their sales literature as a ‘Unique Selling Point’ (USP) to persuade a prospective buyer, that a driver of these vehicles will be able to see more whilst night driving. The problem with the system is that it ‘floats’ and therefore does not have a scroll switch to adjust the height of the lights according to the load being carried in the vehicle, thus causing severe dazzle to oncoming drivers.
Ken has been hearing some alarming reports from passengers he has conveyed across London, that tell stories of drivers, who own a vehicle with bi-xenon’s, who have been taking their vehicle back to the dealership to report that the owner felt that the bi-xenon’s were incorrectly set, due to the amount of on-coming vehicles flashing them for high lights or a mistaken main beam! The dealerships have refused to alter the lights, and have admitted that they have no guidelines for this system and because the lights have been factory set then they must be legal!!
Recent statistics show that 40% of all Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) between October and March (G.M.T) take place between the hours of darkness. Although the statistics do not prove how many of these collisions are due to dazzle, it is recognised to have played a part in a significant number of them.
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (RVLR) 1989 clearly state in Schedule 4, Part 1, Section 4, ‘Lights must not be set to dazzle other drivers’
This also brings into question the use of the ‘scroll switch’ for other vehicles, with alternative lighting systems. Ken has had numerous remarks made to him by several high mileage truck and car drivers, who commented, that they had not been inducted to the use of a scroll switch to set lights according to loads carried. Perhaps this question should be added to the ‘show me – tell me’.
Ken has now finally got the attention of his two local MPs and has been asked to petition number 10. We are all part of the grand scheme of road safety. Perhaps you could see your way to Ken’s website:
www.blindedbixenon.co.uk or log on to http://petitions.number10.gov/blindedbixenon and add your name or organisation to the petition to get the RVLR 1989 updated.
Let’s try and make it safer for everyone
Sandra www.snsdrivertraining.co.uk
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/blindedbixenon/
Thank you for setting this petition up - I have just signed it. I'm so glad someone is making a stand on these dreadful and, in my opinion, dangerous headlights. I am absolutely dreading the winter when I have to drive to work and home again in the dark. All because of these halogen lamps. There really is no need to have them so bright that they blind oncoming drivers. The old style head lamps were just as good. All we need is enough light to see the road ahead, not to make flightpath landing lights for oncoming aircraft! I wonder for whose benefit the head lamps were intended for in the first place - it certainly couldn't have been for the ordinary driver. Why would we want to be dazzled and blinded every time we take to the road? I live near some very dark country roads so the Bixenon lights are even more pronounced. I wouldn't be surprised if they were the reason behind many accidents - I'm certain they will cause a lot more.
And as for lorries using them, well that's just a joke! They are already lit up like Xmas trees at night. You can see them coming from miles away. Only trouble is, they don't seem to see us until after they've gone in to the back of us!
I do hope you get your petition heard and agreed with as I really would like to be able to drive at night without being constantly blinded. If the Govt. don't listen, perhaps they will pay someone to design special night glasses for us all to use?
Thanks again and good luck.
And as for lorries using them, well that's just a joke! They are already lit up like Xmas trees at night. You can see them coming from miles away. Only trouble is, they don't seem to see us until after they've gone in to the back of us!
I do hope you get your petition heard and agreed with as I really would like to be able to drive at night without being constantly blinded. If the Govt. don't listen, perhaps they will pay someone to design special night glasses for us all to use?
Thanks again and good luck.
Sunday 19 July 2009
The Porsche Cayenne
Another interesting story was in the local citizens help shop and on being seen had a good chat about my lights issue. Lucky for me the lady interviewing me had a problem with her Porsche Cayenne which i may add was only 3 years old with very little mileage. The Cayenne was due for it
Her vehicle failed it's test on the headlights being too bright and nothing else. The garage that carried out the MOT did not have all the appropriate tools and equipment etc to adjust the headlamps so told my lady to pop the vehicle into her Porsche dealer and get the problem fixed. The dealer asked her why she wanted her headlamps adjusted and she said it was for an MOT. The dealer said they had checked her lights and found them to be correct completed the MOT and sent her back out on the road.
This lady after questioning me had told me that when ever she drove at night other drivers flashed their lights in a retaliatory fashion so was not surprised when her local garage failed her lights on the MOT.
This next bit beggars belief as the main agent for Porsche had said her lights were OK and gave her an MOT and she new that her lights were a problem to others she took her main agents MOT and is still driving around blinding others unnecessarily.
What intrigues me is how can one garage fail and one pass. Is the test good enough or is it the MOT tester at fault.
I will leave you all to ponder on that one.
Monday 13 July 2009
The Smart Car
Hi readers another wrong to be righted. I have been driving at night for too many years and over the last ten many vehicles have new lights that blind you unnecessarily to the point they are dangerous. Even though the Smart Car is not as popular as many other models the lights on them kept blinding me more than what could be normal or should be. I tried to question the drivers of the ones with dodgy lights but the drivers were afraid to chat with me.
Then a stroke of luck I went to see my optician who gave me an eye check which was A OK for my tender years and happened to mention the problems I have been coming across at night and about the Smart Car in particular. To my surprise he had the answer as he had purchased a brand new one for his wife and she had been complaining when she took one of her friends out that other drivers flashed their lights in frustration at her as she was blinding them.
My optician investigated and gave me my answer as to why i had the problem. Even though the car is so small it has a feature just under the steering column that will lower the beam height if heavy people get into it. I am not saying my opticians wife and friend are fat but it was the reason. I have asked many drivers of these cars and not found one person driving one that new of the switches existence. What a waste of a good invention.
Then a stroke of luck I went to see my optician who gave me an eye check which was A OK for my tender years and happened to mention the problems I have been coming across at night and about the Smart Car in particular. To my surprise he had the answer as he had purchased a brand new one for his wife and she had been complaining when she took one of her friends out that other drivers flashed their lights in frustration at her as she was blinding them.
My optician investigated and gave me my answer as to why i had the problem. Even though the car is so small it has a feature just under the steering column that will lower the beam height if heavy people get into it. I am not saying my opticians wife and friend are fat but it was the reason. I have asked many drivers of these cars and not found one person driving one that new of the switches existence. What a waste of a good invention.
The Range Rover
Hi there bloggers this info needs to be out there. A friend purchased a brand new RR Sport HSE model and after purchasing was asked by the salesman how much night driving he did or was likely to do. As a retired gent with allmost copious amounts of money the reply was drive most often at night and weekends. Of which the salesman replied the new model you have purchased has the new bi-xenon lights as standard. Have you driven with them yet to which he replied no not yet. The salesman then said the new lights on your vehicle are 30% brighter than the old halogen headlights and when you drive at night you may find other drivers flashing you (with their headlights). This is where it gets interesting.
Do not worry as your vehicle passes all Government Tests.
I would love to find out your views on this as my friend was told he will be blinding other drivers but he is allowed to as he is doing it legally.
This surely needs investigating further.
Do not worry as your vehicle passes all Government Tests.
I would love to find out your views on this as my friend was told he will be blinding other drivers but he is allowed to as he is doing it legally.
This surely needs investigating further.
Monday 13 April 2009
Lightmare
Every night for the professional drivers who put in a full shift they will be blinded many times by badly set Bi xenon headlamps as the RVLR1989 is most definitely inadequate.
Also the Minister of Transport for the whole country has informed me most drivers do not use their headlamp scroll switch when driving with the Halogen headlamps.
Please air your views here or go to blindedbixenon.co.uk.
Helping night drivers eyes
Every night for those professional drivers who put in a full shift in the hours of darkness their eyes will be punished unnecessarily. Bi xenon headlamp glare which pierces the eyes and disables you is now only to common. The RVLR 1989 is well out of date and inadequate needs to be upgraded.
Also glare from Halogen headlamps is equally as bad and as i am informed by the minister for Transport most drivers do not use their headlamp scroll switch or even know what it is.
That list of drivers includes the Police, truckers etc.
Lets get noisy and make Government and the Manufacturers listen an act to make our roads safer at night
Also glare from Halogen headlamps is equally as bad and as i am informed by the minister for Transport most drivers do not use their headlamp scroll switch or even know what it is.
That list of drivers includes the Police, truckers etc.
Lets get noisy and make Government and the Manufacturers listen an act to make our roads safer at night
Helping night drivers eyes
Every night in the hours of darkness those of us who have to do a full shift will be blinded many times so lets get our voice heard by the Minister for Transport and Police etc. Bi xenon's are the worst, but badly adjusted Halogen lights can also be a nuisance. A humongous number of drivers do not use or know how to adjust their headlights including the Police,Bus drivers,Truckers,Motorcyclists etc
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