Most drivers prefer not to drive at night. Although there is less traffic on the road than during the day, much greater concentration is needed. The reason is restricted view in the dark. Older people with failing vision and people with poor vision find driving at night particularly strenuous. Darkness brings considerable risk of accidents, even for people with good eyesight. There are therefore good reasons for optimum lighting and the improved view of the road that it provides.
1. Better night-time vision prevents accidents
Based on the volume of traffic, the number of accidents in the hours of darkness is relatively high. Almost 50% of all fatal accidents happen at night. A pedestrian in dark clothing can only be seen at distance of 25 meters. In 2005 more than 100 pedestrians were killed on Germany’s roads at night. Better light means that pedestrians and other obstacles can be seen much sooner, even without reflectors.
2. Being more visible at night also prevents accidents
It is just as important for vehicles to be clearly seen and it is to see other road users. The light from prescribed dipped headlights is often to weak, because of dirt or poor adjustment of the light beam, to be seen in good time by pedestrians and cyclists. On minor roads there are often fatal accidents because oncoming traffic is seen too late. More light on the road means seeing and being seen.
3. Better brighter light relaxes the eyes and improves visual performance
The change in contrast in the dark puts enormous strain on the eyes. The ability to detect contrast reduces considerably as dusk falls. This applies in particular to people with poor eyesight who need to wear glasses or contact lenses. But even people with 20/20 vision during the day have difficulties at night. Better brighter light relaxes the eyes and take in the complete picture.
4. A better view on unlit roads outside towns and cities
Many accidents at night occur on unlit roads, often made darker by trees lining the road. The visibility of 75 m of standard lamps is often not enough, particularly at excessive speeds, to give the driver the time needed to react. If concentration is also difficult or if the eyes are tired accidents can easily happen. If drivers have a better overall view of the road far ahead they can adjust their driving style accordingly and stay relaxed. Road markings and signs can also be seen earlier and better.
5. A clear view even in rain, snow and fog.
A major problem when driving at night is the light reflected from wet roads, snowfall or fog. This puts an even greater strain on the eyes. Restricted vision due to fog, heavy rain or snowstorms was a contributory factor in more than 1100 accidents in 2005. Even during the day, fog is responsible for 30 percent of all weather-related accidents. Darkness at the same time increases the risk of an accident enormously. Reflections are annoying and often trigger unusual and dangerous driving maneuvers. It is not uncommon for people involved in an accident to claim suddenly to have seen an obstacle – often a mistaken impression produced by a reflection. To neutralize weather conditions, light is needed that improves visibility and reduces reflections.
1. Better night-time vision prevents accidents
Based on the volume of traffic, the number of accidents in the hours of darkness is relatively high. Almost 50% of all fatal accidents happen at night. A pedestrian in dark clothing can only be seen at distance of 25 meters. In 2005 more than 100 pedestrians were killed on Germany’s roads at night. Better light means that pedestrians and other obstacles can be seen much sooner, even without reflectors.
2. Being more visible at night also prevents accidents
It is just as important for vehicles to be clearly seen and it is to see other road users. The light from prescribed dipped headlights is often to weak, because of dirt or poor adjustment of the light beam, to be seen in good time by pedestrians and cyclists. On minor roads there are often fatal accidents because oncoming traffic is seen too late. More light on the road means seeing and being seen.
3. Better brighter light relaxes the eyes and improves visual performance
The change in contrast in the dark puts enormous strain on the eyes. The ability to detect contrast reduces considerably as dusk falls. This applies in particular to people with poor eyesight who need to wear glasses or contact lenses. But even people with 20/20 vision during the day have difficulties at night. Better brighter light relaxes the eyes and take in the complete picture.
4. A better view on unlit roads outside towns and cities
Many accidents at night occur on unlit roads, often made darker by trees lining the road. The visibility of 75 m of standard lamps is often not enough, particularly at excessive speeds, to give the driver the time needed to react. If concentration is also difficult or if the eyes are tired accidents can easily happen. If drivers have a better overall view of the road far ahead they can adjust their driving style accordingly and stay relaxed. Road markings and signs can also be seen earlier and better.
5. A clear view even in rain, snow and fog.
A major problem when driving at night is the light reflected from wet roads, snowfall or fog. This puts an even greater strain on the eyes. Restricted vision due to fog, heavy rain or snowstorms was a contributory factor in more than 1100 accidents in 2005. Even during the day, fog is responsible for 30 percent of all weather-related accidents. Darkness at the same time increases the risk of an accident enormously. Reflections are annoying and often trigger unusual and dangerous driving maneuvers. It is not uncommon for people involved in an accident to claim suddenly to have seen an obstacle – often a mistaken impression produced by a reflection. To neutralize weather conditions, light is needed that improves visibility and reduces reflections.
