martine wrote:Might be worth getting your eyesight checked? Apologies - that's really not meant to sound sarcastic but our eyes change as we get older and being more easily dazzled is one of them.
As we age, our eyes dim. Hands up all those who have bought reading lamps ...
Also, it could be the beginning of cataracts.
It's a bugger, this getting old
It is indeed
Re: Driving in the dark
Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2021 4:31 pm
by AndyP
Everyone from aged about 40 onwards has a night driving deficiency. No matter how fit or well they are. The deterioration is up to 50% Now known as Night Myopia. The light sensitive rods act like an old slow film in a camera and are less good a resolving the view.
It came to me after working at the police Driving school for some years. I used to 'ZOOM' home in my 200bhp sports car.
One night I felt I was not making as good a progress as usual as I left a BUA into a 60. I was driving flat out for the conditions and view---Mirror check QUEUE OF CARS behind and I was travelling at about 40 mph plus. STUNNED.
SO huge upgrade of the lights with 100% plus QH's . [They were known for being worse than the earlier lights on my Nissan 200SX reported in Forums and Magazines.]
MMM better .
Then on taking advice had an upgrade of my eyesight. [ha ha]
Super new distance glasses. Problem 75% sorted. No more problems. ------------------------------- HOWEVER Sat behind some blistering HIDS which swiveled on a Megane RS. MAGNIFICENT. Lit up the road ahead as if in DAYLIGHT. The new model sat behind 55w H1 QH's RUBBISH again. Option of HID's not available Renno said not worth engineering them as so few ticked the options box. SO upgraded the QH's again 120% again only a little better' An AUDI RS Q3 lights were too small and the beams pointed sideways with a black hole in the middle instead of ahead DESPITE perfect adjustment.
A new SEAT LEON with LED's has it sortd again.
Now notice the eyes are not as good again RUDDY HECK!!!
Re: Driving in the dark
Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2021 9:15 pm
by martine
Oh the joys Andy, of us all getting old...er.
Have you seen the even newer headlights that, apparently, map the road ahead and create a darker spot around oncoming traffic (so they aren't dazzled) and open up the view ahead and to the sides away from the oncoming? Forgotten what they are called but I believe it's available on some Audi's.
I wonder how well they work with oncoming motorbikes, cycles, pedestrians etc?
Re: Driving in the dark
Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2021 9:19 pm
by GTR1400MAN
martine wrote:I wonder how well they work with oncoming motorbikes ...?
Probably as well a Teslas seeing them ahead
Re: Driving in the dark
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2021 9:52 am
by M1ke H
martine wrote:I wonder how well they work with oncoming motorbikes, cycles, pedestrians etc?
There are some interesting YouTube videos on the subject, one example here.
All this automation bothers me - I prefer to be in control of when my engine stops and starts. Ditto switching the wipers and lights on and off, but trusting the lights around bends and corners when making progress on an interesting B road at night really bothers me!
I'll qualify this by adding that I've not had the 'privilege' of using such a lighting system...
...yet.
Re: Driving in the dark
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2021 12:37 pm
by martine
Interesting videos Mike - I still wonder what it does though with indistinct traffic or pedestrians - play safe and switch off those LEDS...or play safe and switch on!
It must be weird with a black spot in front...I'd be worried about potholes or mud as well.
Re: Driving in the dark
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2021 3:45 pm
by vanman
I wonder when headlamp cover will be available with windscreen cover
Re: Driving in the dark
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2021 4:03 pm
by Horse
GTR1400MAN wrote:
martine wrote:I wonder how well they work with oncoming motorbikes ...?
Probably as well a Teslas seeing them ahead
Here's a system being tested (brake lights at 0.58)
Re: Driving in the dark
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2021 4:40 pm
by angus
martine wrote:Have you seen the even newer headlights that, apparently, map the road ahead and create a darker spot around oncoming traffic (so they aren't dazzled) and open up the view ahead and to the sides away from the oncoming? Forgotten what they are called but I believe it's available on some Audi's.
I wonder how well they work with oncoming motorbikes, cycles, pedestrians etc?
And Fords. Matrix LED - bloody brilliant
OK with motorbikes as they're a bright enough light source, cyclist with no lights and dark clothing - nah
Re: Driving in the dark
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2021 6:57 pm
by Strangely Brown
Horse wrote:
GTR1400MAN wrote:
martine wrote:I wonder how well they work with oncoming motorbikes ...?
Probably as well a Teslas seeing them ahead
Here's a system being tested (brake lights at 0.58)
So, because it sees a brake light on the vehicle ahead it brakes hard enough to switch on the hazard light? Wow, that's nice for following traffic... not!
