In order to avoid getting into a motor vehicle accident, motorists need to be able to see where they are going. The way we do that is with headlights. In modern vehicles, there is a lot of new technology used with headlights, and this technology may be helping save lives. One new headlight technology that Virginia Beach drivers should know about is called the adaptive headlight.
Adaptive headlights change their brightness and direction as the driver steers his or her vehicle. This provides more lighting to illuminate turns, curves, hills and other hazards — helping drivers to avoid obstacles, crashes and maneuver their vehicles better in the dark.
With any new driving safety technology, however, there is always the question as to whether or not the technology actually works or if it is just a new gimmick used to sell more cars. In the case of adaptive headlights, analysts predict that the technology could help in approximately 90 percent of crash scenarios involving curves in nighttime conditions. Furthermore, statistics indicate that vehicles with adaptive headlights get into less car accidents than vehicles without adaptive headlights.
But what do drivers think? Well, most drivers do not even know that adaptive headlight technology exists — even if it is installed on their vehicles. However, 60 percent of drivers who are aware of adaptive headlight technology believe that the safety feature is beneficial.
Considering that most experts are in favor of this technology, and most drivers agree that it is beneficial, it seems that it would not hurt to own a vehicle with adaptive headlight technology included. Indeed, if new safety technology can prevent even one death or serious injury on American roadways— and prevent the need to bring forward a wrongful death or personal injury claim — then it is certainly worth the expense.
Source: AAA, “Adaptive headlights,” accessed Feb. 19, 2016