Governing organizations are making great efforts to find out the cause of vehicle accidents. They want to come up with a solution that can lower the accident statistics all over the nation. Recent studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and other organizations have disclosed that a large number of fatal accidents occur at nighttime hours. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2009 that the deadliest time for fatal accidents is between 3 p.m. and 3 a.m. with Saturdays and Sundays being the most dangerous times of the week.

Recent Studies Expose Headlight Insufficiency

Additional studies found that something other than alcohol consumption, drowsy driving, inclement weather and poor eyes played a part in the driving fatalities: headlights. The IIHS conducted a series of extensive studies to see if the newly released 2016 vehicles had headlights that provided enough illumination to avoid accidents. The results of the studies were disappointing to say the least. The studies found that most, new vehicles did not have adequate illumination to prevent a fatal accident from occurring. A complete overhaul of the headlight systems may be necessary to save the lives of nighttime drivers. 

Headlight Evaluations and Ratings

The test that IIHS conducted consisted of several drivers following driving patterns in the middle of the night. The test conductors tested the low beams and high beams during these journeys. They tested the way the lights worked around curves and on straight paths. Furthermore, the testers checked the glare of oncoming traffic at night. The results were staggering as they showed that most new vehicles had headlights that were high in style but low in safety performance. The company tested 31 vehicles, and sadly, one vehicle received an high score for its headlights. That vehicle was the Toyota Prius V.

Items That Received High Ratings

The test conductors gave special ratings and merit to vehicles that had the high beam assist feature. The high beam assist feature is a special feature that provides assistance by automatically turning the high beams on during appropriate times. The computerized system turns the high beams off at times when the driver no longer needs them, such as when a vehicle approaches on the road. The test conductors gave special ratings for that feature. 

Price Tag Makes No Difference

The study of the 31 vehicles proved that consumers do not have to purchase the most expensive cars on the lot just to get headlights that have above-average performance. Eleven of the vehicles received a rating of “acceptable." Nine vehicles received a marginal score, and the remaining 10 vehicles received a downright poor rating for headlight performance. The Honda Accord is just one example of an affordable vehicle that rated highly on the test. Many luxury vehicles received the lowest ratings in the bunch. The manufacturer’s focus on style rather than safety is quite alarming given recent accident statistics. 

Future Testing Will Occur

The recent tests disclosed a huge variation between illumination levels in the 31 vehicles that went through the test. IIHS intends to conduct future tests on the headlight performance of new vehicles that release in the market. They want to ensure that manufacturers make changes that will decrease the number of nighttime vehicular accident fatalities. The organization believes that future changes in headlight technology can decrease the devastating fatality statistics. The testing will keep manufacturers informed as to their need to create vehicles that have headlights that are stylish and secure.

Changes That May Help Increase Headlight Performance

Currently, at least four types of headlight technology exist. Manufacturers use Halogen, LED or High Intensity Discharge lighting in most cases. The testing proved that the HID and LED systems displayed some positive advantages, but those advantages do not necessarily provide better performance. For example, LED lights turn on by themselves, but Halogen lamps consume less energy and still shine brightly. Some manufacturers even combine Halogen technology with Compact Fluorescence Lamp technology to get faster lighting and above-average performance. High-Intensity Discharge lamps can produce better lighting than some of the other types, but they also have a glare to them. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages to it. 

Could Better Headlights Reduce Traffic Fatalities?

Fatalities are definitely linked to poor headlight performance. The IIHS believes that using better headlights can reduce death statistics. Drivers can also take some additional precautions to protect themselves at night. They can travel with an extra driver, pull over when they are tired and wear appropriate glasses when they take a drive. Cities can also provide additional street lights to decrease the number of accidents that occur at night.  With a little improvement in equipment and some more prudence behind the wheel during hours of lower visibility, we can all do our part to reduce the number of fatal motor vehicle collisions!

Author Bio: Steven M. Sweat, is an award winning personal injury attorney based out of Los Angeles, CA.  He is a regular contributor to this blog and other legal blogs related to tort law and safety issues with an emphasis on motor vehicle accident claims.  For further information, visit his website by clicking here .