Study to Examine How Headlight Glare Affects Drivers, Road Safety

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center (LRC) in Troy, N.Y., has received a two-year, $890,012 award from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) to further their research in the causes and effects of headlight glare. The increase in new headlight technologies has also meant an increase in glare complaints to the NHTSA, said LRC Director Mark Rea, so the LRC will also develop lighting system solutions to minimize glare. New headlamp systems being promoted by lighting and vehicle manufacturers claim to provide drivers with additional visibility under certain driving scenarios. However, there are still many unanswered questions regarding how these new technologies relate to visibility, glare, driver behavior and safety, according to the LRC research team now delving into these issues. As the LRC scientists move ahead in their research, the team plans to outline what new aspects of headlamp systems should be further examined. The results of the research will be reported to Congress as part of the requirements of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which became a law one year ago. LRC's research award will be administered through Westat Inc., a contract research organization serving agencies of the US government, as well as businesses, foundations and state and local governments.