An Evaluation of Glare in Nighttime Driving Caused by Headlights Reflected from Rearview Mirrors

This paper presents the results of a study directed toward examining the effects of glare resulting from following headlights reflected in rearview mirrors. In particular, the effects of different driving environments are discussed with regard to their effects on glare. The results of a computer analysis predicting the magnitude of glare reflected from rearview mirrors for several headlight systems are also presented. These computations cover a range of intercar spacings and both inside and outside mirrors. An important question is also posed concerning the effects of glare in a driver's peripheral field-of-view and its potential effects on the detection of early warning events.