Technology is advancing each day, and with greater technology comes new gadgets and devices to assist and entertain us. New mobile phones, video games, and computer technology come out all the time. On a more practical note, new vehicle technology to make driving safer than ever before is also in development. One such development is adaptive headlights, which are becoming more prevalent not only in the United States but also around the globe. Lerner and Rowe wants you to stay in the loop about the latest driver safety technology, so read on to find out all the things you’ll need to know about adaptive headlights.
What Are Adaptive Headlights?
Adaptive headlights are a recently developed form of driver safety technology that can sense a vehicle’s movements and turn in such a way so as to promote optimal lighting. While traditional headlights always remain stationary, adaptive headlights are designed to account for a vehicle’s movements and automatically adjust themselves in response.
As an example, when driving around a curve, traditional headlights will continue to shine straight ahead and not at the road you’ll actually be driving on. Adaptive headlights, however, can detect when your vehicle turns and decide the optimal lighting position. This innovation makes driving at night and around curves much safer.
How Do Adaptive Headlights Work?
There are many components of adaptive headlights. Here is a brief description of each feature:
- Wheel/Tire speed sensors—These sensors detect how quickly the wheels/tires are turning.
- Yaw sensor—The yaw sensor measures the vehicle’s position along the vertical axis and can tell if and when the car is turning, and by how much.
- Steering input sensor—This sensor monitors the angle of the driver’s steering input.
- Motors—Motors attached to each adaptive headlight allow for flexible and dynamic movement.
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU)—The data collected from the other components are sent to this sensor, where the final calibration is made and the adaptive headlights are directed to point in a specific manner.
With all these components and data, adaptive headlights operate to maximize visibility and minimize glare. Going around curves is adaptive headlights’ specialty. Most adaptive headlights have a total range of motion of 30 degrees, but some models have an even greater range. Also, additional lights such as side or fog lights can add up to 80 degrees of visibility, as well. This is useful for very sharp turns that occur when parking, for example.
Some adaptive headlights are fitted with vertical capabilities, as well. For instance, you may have witnessed a driver behind you going over a bump or hill only to be temporarily blinded by their headlights. What happened was that their headlights were temporarily aimed too far up as they were heading over the bump or hill. Some adaptive headlights can detect when the vehicle is tilted too far up or down. Therefore, such headlights can ensure that the lights are always aimed at the road and not at other drivers.
Are Adaptive Headlights Safe?
Adaptive headlights are a relatively new technology, and hence, there isn’t much data on their long-term efficacy and safety. However, some reports estimate that adaptive headlights could be beneficial in preventing a large number of night-time curve crashes. Because adaptive headlights reduce glare and increase visibility, safety is increased not only for the driver, but also for others on the road, including pedestrians.
Regardless, new improvements are being made every day. Many cars nowadays are equipped with bi-xenon headlights, which are much brighter than traditional headlights and have a slightly bluish tint. However, such headlights, because they are so bright, are required to have adaptive capabilities, since they could easily blind drivers otherwise. These, in addition to many other advancements, will help keep drivers, pedestrians, and all others safe on the roads.
Need Help from an Automotive Accident Attorney?
Visibility is a key component of driving safely, and not everyone has optimal visibility. Whether from inclement whether or distracted driving, there are many reasons a driver may have hit you.
If you find yourself in an accident, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. Visit us in our office Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or give us a call anytime at (602) 977-1900. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form or chat with us online via our LiveChat feature. We don’t collect a penny until we win your case, so don’t hesitate; contact us today!
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.