The Influence of the Light Distribution of Headlamps on Drivers Fixation Behaviour at Nighttime

Light distributions of headlamps have a large influence on the areas of fixation of drivers at nighttime. Physiologigal factors of the perception cause a fixation in bright areas in the field of vision. The illumination of the road scene and therewith the luminance of the road and the objects is depending on the light distribution of the headlamp.

The paper shows the influence of typical light distributions of different types of headlamps on the visual strategy of drivers. It trys to answer the question “Is it possible to influence the drivers field of viewing?” In a second part it deals with the question of the influence on the driving behaviour and the safety feeling of drivers.