Anyone who has ever driven at night knows how blinding headlights can be. It is enough that an oncoming car suddenly appears due to the rise, as the driver experiences temporary blindness. This phenomenon is quite dangerous, as the motorist continues to move, with little or no control over what is happening on the road. It is not surprising that traffic rules in such cases prescribe to turn on the alarm and, without changing lanes, slow down and stop.
But why does the light of oncoming headlights have such a negative effect? It turns out there are several reasons. You never thought that modern headlights shine much brighter than before? If yes, then you are absolutely right. The fact is that the current lighting technology is manufactured using completely different technologies. If earlier in optics they were used exclusively halogen lamps, then in the future, xenon also became widespread, and more recently, LEDs. That is, we can almost say with certainty that the more modern the car, the brighter its headlights shine. It seems to be an unequivocal advantage, because dark road illuminated better. However, it turns out that such an achievement has its drawbacks, because along with the spread of brighter headlights, the number of accidents due to glare is also growing. For example, according to UK police statistics, in 2014 alone, at least 320 accidents occurred in the kingdom for this reason - 11% more accidents than in 2010. And researchers say that in fact the number of such incidents is much higher, just in the case of minor accidents, drivers do not go to the police.
"We get thousands of complaints," says Roy Milnes, an activist with the Lightmare movement, which fights to reduce the brightness of car fumes. "The problem is that the brightness of the headlights far exceeds human endurance." Peter Heilig, professor of ophthalmology at the University of Vienna, agrees with him. According to him, harsh light causes a reaction similar to getting pain. “Because of such light, a warning signal is sent to the brain, saying:“ Enough! Is it true that modern lamps are worse than those that were before? Professor Heilig believes so. "Bright blue light has a much higher radiant power. That is, such a light bulb shines much brighter than a halogen one, since it has a shorter wavelength," he notes.
Demonstration of adaptive headlights
At the same time, scientists have found that as drivers age, the likelihood of blindness also increases. The fact is that the lens and cornea of the eye are not completely transparent. Therefore, bright light, passing through them, is refracted in one way or another, as a result of which a person has blinding or a blurry image. “The same effect can be observed if you try to look at a bright light through fogged glass,” says professor of ophthalmology John Marshall from University College London. “But the older you get, the more changes happens to your eyes, even if you are absolutely healthy. For example, the lens and cornea become less transparent. Hence the glare problem. At night, your pupil dilates to let in as much light as possible. And when headlights suddenly hit your eyes, it blinds you," he explained.
So, headlights blind us because the eye is not ready to respond to a sudden luminous flux. Modern lighting technology has a much greater blinding effect than the old one, and with age, the likelihood of getting temporary blindness on the road increases. Interestingly, at the same time, drivers knew about this problem at the dawn of the automotive industry. For example, for the first time this effect was discovered back in 1927. And in different years blindness tried to fight. For example, in Soviet time the drivers had a very popular installation of "anti-headlights" - special device that creates a bluish background. It was assumed that thanks to this, the eyes would quickly adapt to the light from an oncoming car. True, efficiency this device was never proven, and so in the end it was simply discontinued. But in recent years 20 The problem of glare has been taken seriously by global automakers. For example, today on many models so-called adaptive headlights are used, which turn when the car is turning, and also lower the beams when a powerful oncoming luminous flux. But, despite the advancement of this technology, scientists point out that the system still needs to respond to the appearance of an oncoming car, which is why the likelihood of blinding remains. Is there some more matrix headlights, disabling some of the sections. They reduce the risk of dazzling oncoming drivers to almost zero. But so far this technology is very expensive and is used only on the most prestigious models.
To improve visibility, drivers use high beam headlights on country roads. It is used when there are no oncoming or passing cars. When approaching, they switch to the near one. What to do if a car is driving towards high beam and won't turn it off.
What to do?
There is one proven way that will punish a forgetful motorist. When he approached, it is necessary to turn on the high beam sharply. This will teach him a lesson from such behavior on the road and he will turn off the lamps. Sometimes it happens that the oncoming driver simply forgot to turn it off. As a rule, a single blinking of the headlights just tells him about it.
This behavior may be erroneous. For example, a car enthusiast has bad bulbs in their headlights that illuminate the oncoming lane. Or the headlights are incorrectly adjusted, the springs sagged and other reasons - then when the low beam is on, it will seem that you are being blinded. Just blink, adequate drivers will immediately understand what's going on.
There is another category of motorists and everyone has their own ways of fighting. Of course, the myths about bottles dropped on the roofs of cars or other ways that can damage property are just a myth, and if applied, then in the most extreme measures. For example, truckers have an additional source of headlights, which is much more powerful than the bulbs of an ordinary passenger car. After this, you will definitely remember the elementary rules of ethics on the road.
How to quickly restore vision?
For example, a car with a high beam is driving towards you and is not going to turn it off. For this situation, there is an old "grandfather" way. You need to close one eye, and after the passage of this "individual" open it. A second delay will not affect security, and it will be easier for you.
Do not forget that the oncoming motorist could forget to switch the high beam. Then you should remind him to "blink" a couple of times. As a rule, after that, drivers in 90 percent of cases switch to the near one.
It also gives the impression of high beam at the "oncoming", when, for example, pseudo-xenon is installed or the headlights are incorrectly adjusted - they can shine higher than expected. Also, if the bulb in the right headlight, then the left one will shine brighter, which will also create discomfort for oncoming drivers. Fighting these motorists is useless.
Many drivers complain of poor vision when driving at night. There are tips from the seasoned that you need to put a slice of lemon under the tongue to bring back the sharpness. But poor eyesight is to blame. When during the day you can see normally, and at night the picture is fuzzy. Try on plus points. If the picture improves, then you can wear them only when driving at night by car.
Automatic switch
Sometimes you want to “turn on” the high beam of the headlights, but do not interfere with either passing or oncoming drivers. You say: is this a dream and unrealistic? No, because automotive engineers develop new systems to make life easier for the average driver.
They created new system luminous flux control. If the headlights are on and you approach an oncoming or passing vehicle, the system will automatically change the direction of the light flux. Those. The headlights will only illuminate the part of the road where there are no nearby vehicles. And the area where other cars are located will simply “darken out”. This will allow you to see the situation on the road for several tens of meters, and not dazzle other drivers.
How does it work?
The light control system is inactive, there are no cars in the immediate distance.
The luminous flux changes direction as an oncoming vehicle approaches.
When a passing car appears, the light flux also changes direction.
In this system, it is not the algorithm of work that is important, but the headlights themselves. Although it is difficult to call them ordinary, they are rather video projectors that simulate lighting on the road. A video camera, which is installed on the rear-view mirror in the cabin, monitors and gives signals about the approach of cars.
The system can not only adjust the luminous flux of the headlights, but also look around the corner or illuminate the roadside if it notices a person there. In general, everything is done for convenience and safety.
19.2. High beam must be switched to low beam:
in settlements, if the road is lit;
at an oncoming pass at a distance of at least 150 m from the vehicle, as well as at a greater distance, if the driver of the oncoming vehicle periodic switching headlights will show the need for this;
in any other cases, to exclude the possibility of blinding drivers of both oncoming and passing vehicles.
When blinded, the driver must turn on the alarm and, without changing lanes, slow down and stop.
Comments
High beam headlights must be switched to low beam:
Within settlements
This means that moving within the city limits or in settlements indicated by signs 5.23.1 or 5.23.2 "Start locality» The driver must switch the headlights on his vehicle from high beam to low beam. From November 20, 2010, the vehicle is allowed to start moving only when the daytime running lights are on. running lights, fog lights or low beam headlights. From this we can conclude that within the boundaries of the settlement at any time of the day and under any conditions, drivers are allowed to drive with the dipped headlights on, and the high beam headlights are allowed to be turned on in settlements if the road is not lit or outside settlements.
In the case of an oncoming vehicle
Drivers of vehicles moving in dark time day in the opposite direction, must switch from high to dipped headlights in advance so as not to dazzle the driver of an oncoming vehicle. This usually happens somewhere around 150 meters or earlier. On different vehicles, the headlights are set differently, so it is worth switching the headlights to dipped as soon as you notice that a vehicle is driving towards you or a pedestrian is approaching.
If the driver of an oncoming vehicle gave a signal
The signal is given by alternately switching the headlights from low beam to high beam. This is already an established international driver signal. Thus, one driver warns another that he is blinding him or that he may be blinded by high beams.
Other cases
With headlights, it can dazzle a driver who is driving both in the oncoming and in passing direction. A logical question immediately arises: how can you blind a driver who is traveling with you in the same direction? The answer to it is quite simple. Moving behind a vehicle that is traveling in the same direction as you, you can blind its driver when he looks into the rear-view mirrors, and the refraction of light from the headlights can be at such an angle that, reflected in the rear-view mirrors, it can simply blind the driver and shine directly into his eyes, even if he does not directly look into the mirror. Therefore, it is not worth getting close to a vehicle that is traveling in the same direction in the dark, even if the dipped headlights are on on another vehicle, but if there is such a need to perform a maneuver, then you should not linger so as not to blind the headlights driver.
When blinded by headlights
The driver must turn on the emergency gang and, without changing lanes, slow down and stop
Responsibility
For violation of this rule - a warning or a fine of 500 rubles, Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
At night, moving along the deserted roads of the city and country roads, many drivers turn on the high beam. However, not everyone remembers that when another vehicle approaches, it must be switched to the near one - this moment governed by the rules traffic. Such frivolity may well lead to the occurrence on the road emergency- blinding by high beam disorients the driver of an oncoming car, confuses him, dulls the speed of reactions.
How to deal with the threat of blinding high beam
Do not panic if the driver who is driving directly at you is not going to switch the high beam to the low beam. Just use the old time-honored problem solving method - close one eye and look at the road with the other. Moreover, you will be able to open your eyes only after you have warmed up with the car, the driver of which forgot or did not consider it necessary to switch the high beam to the low beam.
There is another way to solve the problem under consideration - only in this case should be prepared in advance. IN daylight hours days, sitting behind the wheel of your car, find on it windshield a point where you can look at while keeping your peripheral vision on the road. Remember it and as soon as a car with high beams on appears on the road in front of you, immediately look at this point. This simple trick should definitely help you.
What to do if you are still blinded by high beams
However, it also happens that, despite all the measures taken, an oncoming car blinds the driver with high beams. Most importantly, don't panic! If you get nervous and jerk or turn the steering wheel abruptly, you could get into an accident. So keep riding ahead sticking to the advance given direction and gradually reduce the speed. And when you stop, just sit in the car for a while, waiting for your vision to return, and only after that continue on your way.
Is it worth it to take revenge when blinded by high beams?
Some motorists believe that a person who does not adhere to established rules traffic, you definitely need to take revenge (so that you don’t violate it in the future). In particular, in many sources you can find next tip: Wait for the driver who is blinding you with high beams to approach and turn on your high beams abruptly to blind them. Do not under any circumstances do this! After all, a person driving an oncoming car may suddenly lose control and collide with you. So, of course, you will teach him a lesson, only this, quite possibly, will cost you your health or even your life. It will be much better if every driver tries to take care of himself, strictly observing the rules of the road and respecting other car owners.
In conclusion, I would like to say that any person traveling by car at night should be aware of their own safety and avoid violating traffic rules. After all, many accidents occur precisely in the late evening or at night, when drivers relax and forget about the need to watch the road. Take care of your safety - do not violate the rules of the road and do not exceed the speed limit unless absolutely necessary, then the consequences of blinding by high beams will not be so catastrophic for you.
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There are actually not so few methods of dealing with glare, as it might seem at first glance. Not all of them are unambiguous, not all work, but I think everyone can choose something to their liking.
The most severe glare occurs when another driver is driving with high beam headlights. If there are other cars on the road, it is impolite, unsafe and, finally, simply forbidden to use it (Section 19.2 of the SDA). But since you are in such a situation, you need to minimize the risk. The oncoming driver must be signaled about blinding by periodically turning on the high beam on his car, driving behind - by turning on alarm with a simultaneous smooth decrease in speed, as required by the Rules. If he does not turn off the illumination, then at least he will overtake you.
1. Am I the problem?
Sometimes motorists complain that oncoming cars drive with high beams too often. Most likely the problem is you. Check the headlight adjustment, throw out the non-standard xenon or LED bulbs, which are often installed in conventional halogen headlights, in the trash. Thus, you yourself will not violate traffic rules, and will stop forcing others to do it.
2. Curtains, tinting and auto-dimming mirror
However, the dipped beam of other cars does not eliminate the problem by 100%. For passing cars, there are several possible solutions. The first is available to everyone without exception. modern machines - salon mirror with day/night switch or automatic dimming. A very effective tool, it should be noted. Additionally, you can tint rear glass Or put a curtain on it. The rules don't allow this. Self-darkening side mirrors- the privilege of premium models. But in their absence, you can slightly change the position of the mirror elements, reducing the degree of glare. The day will come, and you will return them to the correct position in seconds.
3. Time to replace your windshield
Assess the condition of your windshield. Old and worn gives glare and strains the eyes. With this you will interfere with all the counters without exception. Changing the "windshield" is not cheap, but it's your safety. Less expensive measures can also help. For example, buying new wiper blades magically improves your eyesight. Or even a free recipe: wipe the glass from the inside. If you smoke in a car, be surprised at the amount of dirt on it. A greasy film also gives glare and impairs visibility.
4. Mind games
All the things you've done don't help? There are tips for this as well. First and foremost - do not look at oncoming headlights. Move your gaze to right shoulder. If markings are drawn along it, this is an excellent guide, you will not leave the road. Peripheral vision will tell you about a sudden danger. But for safety, of course, it is worth slowing down before the passing point and be ready to brake sharply.
Even before the oncoming car appears (the approach of which is indicated by the “glow” from the headlights), you can close one eye and open it after the departure. In this way, protect him from blinding and you will see him in full force. The recipe is effective, but only for an empty track. With a large flow, you will get tired of blinking! Although, on the other hand, it is already turning into a good way to deal with sleep.
5. Driver glasses
The driver's goggles with yellow polarized lenses also help. Only you need to buy not the first copy that caught your eye, but obviously high-quality. Otherwise, instead of benefit, you will get quickly tired eyes and headache. And with frequent use of bad glasses for a short time and spoil your eyesight.
I have not experienced the last two tips on myself, because they look ambiguous. There is a recommendation to turn on the cabin light on the Web so that the eyes do not react so sharply to oncoming headlights. In theory, everything is logical: vision gets used to the light, and the bright spot of the headlights that appears will not be so annoying for him. But I can’t imagine how to drive along a completely dark highway with a lampshade burning in a car. This distracts and limits visibility with additional glare in the glasses. In my opinion, this is a much more dangerous alignment than oncoming headlights. You can buy a special night lamp, place it on the ceiling - the measure will be effective. But a regular ceiling light is not suitable for combating glare.
On the Web, there is also a recommendation to stick opaque electrical tape on the glass approximately in the place where the oncoming car usually appears. I do not advise! This is a serious limitation of the view through windshield. In addition, the relative position of the cars is changing. Have to "isolate" too large segment otherwise the recipe is completely useless.
But the advice to buy a car higher is useless: truckers are blinded by cars no less than everyone else.
