Have you noticed that some vehicles have headlights with a slightly different color, cooler in quality and a lot brighter than others? Have you ever been blinded or annoyed by those headlights? These are known as High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and there is debate over whether or not they are safe.
Interestingly, research shows these headlights are safer for the motorist who has them — and they help prevent accidents. Research found that drivers with HID headlights on their vehicles can see objects better in nighttime driving conditions. They can see things like bicyclists and pedestrians as much as 30 feet before drivers with traditional headlights.
The extra distance gives drivers more time to react, slow down and take evasive action.
As for whether HID headlights are safe for other motorists, has some people complaining the lights are blinding. However, experts respond this is because the headlights are misaligned.
In fact, about 75 percent of headlights on cars are misaligned.
The misalignment can cause headlights to point up higher than they should — functioning like they are on a “high beam” setting when they should be functioning on a “low beam” setting. This can blind the eyes of other drivers. If HID headlights are properly adjusted, on the other hand, they will not blind other drivers.
Having the best equipment — like modern HID headlights — can mean the difference between getting into a life-threatening accident and avoiding one. Considering the evidence, Alaska motorists may want to consider getting these headlights. At the very least, they should check to make sure their headlights are properly aligned.
The Merdes Law Office has been helping Alaskans for more than 30 years. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
Source: USA Today, “Study shows High Intensity Discharge headlights safer, at least on your car“
