WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — AAA is calling on the federal government to begin using vehicle headlight technology already used in Canada and Europe that they say will improve highway safety in the U.S.
Called "adaptive driving beam headlights", AAA says the headlights increase roadway lighting by as much as 86 percent when compared to U.S. low beam headlights. AAA says most low beams are insufficient at speeds above 39 mph.
With this system, the high beams are always on and when another vehicle is detected that area is shaded, so it doesn’t interfere with other drivers.
AAA says ADB is not allowed in the U.S. because the Federal Motor Safety Standards haven’t been updated.
“Driving at night doesn’t have to be such a risky undertaking for Americans,” said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a written statement. “Improved headlight technology not only exists, but is being used in other parts of the world to effectively provide the light needed to keep drivers and pedestrians safer.”
The proposed changes came after Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration signed petitions that would allow manufacturers the option of putting the system in vehicles.
The new headlight standards could still be a few years away, so AAA recommends drivers to use high beams whenever possible after dark. Drive a little slower when you are traveling on unlit roads so you have enough time to react if you need to stop.
Also, make sure your headlamp lenses are crystal clear so your lights work better.