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Some Effects of Road, Truck and Headlamp Characteristics on Visibility and Glare in Night Driving
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Sector:
Event:
National West Coast Meeting
Language:
English
Abstract
Differences in characteristics between automobiles and trucks, such as driver eye height and headlamp mounting height, were examined, as well as roadway vertical and horizontal curvature and meeting beam patterns and lamp aim. Effects of these variables were evaluated by a computer simulation of nighttime meetings on a 2-lane road. The visibility distance and direct and indirect (mirror) glare discomfort effects were measured.
Results suggest that: low beam headlamps on trucks should not be mounted at more than about 36 in (0.91 m) from ground level, the increase in visibility provided by the mid beam is less for truck drivers than those of automobiles, the mid beam is less affected by vertical aim variations than the low beam, the mid beam should be extinguished by the vehicle in the inside lane on curves when meeting other vehicles and when following another vehicle at less than about 200 ft (61 m).
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Authors
Citation
Mortimer, R., "Some Effects of Road, Truck and Headlamp Characteristics on Visibility and Glare in Night Driving," SAE Technical Paper 740615, 1974, https://doi.org/10.4271/740615.Also In
References
- Olson P. L. Mortimer R. G. “Analysis of Sources of Error in Headlamp Aim.” Paper 740312 SAE Automotive Engineering Congress Detroit February 1974
- Hull R. W. Hemion R. H. Cadena D. G. “Guidelines for Improving the Stability of Headlamp Aim.” Southwest Research Institute, Report No. DOT/HS-800 739 August 1972
- Olson P. O. Mortimer R. G. “Investigation of Some Factors Affecting the Aim of Headlamps.” Highway Safety Research Institute, University of Michigan, Report No. UM-HSRI-HF-73-13 1973
- Mortimer R. G. Becker Judith M. “Computer Simulation to Predict Night Driving Visibility as a Function of Headlamp Beams.” Proceedings of First International Conference on Driver Behavior International Driver Behavior Research Assn. Zürich October 1973
- Mortimer R. G. Olson P. L. “Development and Use of Driving Tests to Evaluate Headlamp Beams.” Highway Safety Research Institute, University of Michigan, Report No. UM-HSRI-HF-74-14 1974
- Roper V. J. Meese G. E. “More Light on the Headlighting Problem.” Meeting of Highway Research Board January 1964
- Mortimer R. G. Becker J. M. “Computer Simulation Evaluation of Current U.S. and European Headlamp Meeting Beams, and a Proposed Mid Beam.” Paper 740311 SAE Automotive Engineering Congress Detroit February 1974
- de Boer J. B. “Quality Criteria for the Passing Beam of Motor Car Headlights.” GTB Meeting Walldorf, W. Germany September 1973