How headlights got brighter, whiter, and more blinding after dark
Automotive lights are better than they've ever been, but there's a trade-off.
The issue of brighter, whiter headlights has been a growing concern for drivers at night. Modern crossovers can temporarily illuminate the cabin with cold-white light when oncoming high beams are activated, leading to the assumption that drivers are increasingly using high beams. However, the situation is more complex.
In the past, horse-drawn carriages relied on oil lanterns for illumination, which were not very bright. Consequently, nighttime collisions and near-misses were frequent. As cars became the dominant mode of transportation, the problem persisted despite advancements in lighting technology.
Written by urgent.news from Ars Technica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
