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
Saturday, 7 November 2009
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.
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