How Safe Are Your Headlights?
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In the first report of its kind, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated headlights on 31 midsize cars for nighttime visibility effectiveness. The findings were surprising. The study showed that price tag does not necessarily guarantee quality; at least in terms of headlights. It also found wide variations in performance, and raised concerns about headlight safety.
Using a rating system of Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor, only one of the cars tested rated Good in the 2016 study—the Toyota Prius v, but only when equipped with LED lights and high beam assist, an advanced technology package. Eleven cars earned an Acceptable rating with the best available headlights for purchase, and nine earned only a Marginal rating. The other ten cannot be purchased with anything other than Poor-rated headlights.
The ability to see what is coming on the road ahead—be it another car, pedestrian, cyclist, or animal—is crucial in preventing car accidents. Government regulations dictate how much light a headlight can put out, but not how far it has to reach. The IIHS report states a headlight set on low beam should provide illumination for at least 330 feet on a straightaway. However, the study found huge variations between the reach of different vehicles’ headlights, which is allowable within current government standards.
It does not matter how bright your headlight is if you do not have enough time to stop for an obstacle ahead of you. As the IIHS states, nearly 50% of accidents happen at dusk or in the dark, so better illuminated and further-reaching headlights can reduce accidents and fatalities. The report also recommends more frequent use of high beams.
Even vehicles with curve-adaptive headlights—lights that swivel according to steering—do not guarantee a good rating. The Cadillac ATS, Kia Optima and Mercedes-Benz C-Class all received Poor ratings despite being equipped with adaptive headlights. In an interesting twist, the Honda Accord 4-door received an Acceptable rating with none of the new headlight technology; just basic halogen lights. Its upgraded LED system with high beam assist dropped its rating to Marginal.
The IIHS hopes the study will encourage auto manufacturers to design more effective headlights, putting the light in the right place, where the driver needs it.
If you have suffered an injury that was caused by the negligent actions of another driver, we urge you to schedule your initial free consultation with one of our auto accident attorneys today. Silverman, McDonald & Friedman employs a team of experienced lawyers in Wilmington, Newark and Seaford, and we will answer your questions and offer legal advice based on the unique facts of your case. You can reach us by calling 302-888-2900 or filling out our contact form.
Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.