Its just too much light...

[Oldbikefixr]

Every time I see reactions similar to what you describe on reality shows, or news footage, or in real life, it always baffles me how poorly so many people react to any level of stress. I often think to myself that I hope that I never have to rely on one of these people to save my life in some kind of an emergency. I am not claiming that I would know exactly what to do in a given situation any more than anyone else as I am not a trained rescue EMT, and I don't expect that from others either. What I do expect is a reasonable response based on thought and logic. If I am in dire need of immediate assistance standing there paralyzed with fear, screaming hysterically, and crying uncontrollably will only result in me dying of neglect.

They will likely be the ones standing around taking cellphone videos and offering no assistance at all.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

Two thoughts come to mind regarding LED headlights on modern vehicles. Most (all?) industrialized nations have rigid lighting specifications manufacturers have to meet in order for the vehicle approval to be sold. Presumably today's OEM LED lighting patterns and intensity is as least as safe and effective as the halogen lighting it replaced. LED's installed in fixtures designed for halogen or incandescent bulbs escape rigid specification in the same manner as all modifications owners make to their vehicles and manufacturers cannot be blamed for actions of inconsiderate or unknowledgeable owners. I only presume that owners in the UK and European common markets have to pass annual vehicle inspections that check for illegal modifications. Arguments railing broadly against LEDs in general fall flat.

The second is how much natural aging and unnatural disease processes affects our vision. Before I had my cataracts removed at age 67 my night vision was reduced by what I describe as excess glare and "star" patterns created by oncoming traffic and bright street lighting. Following cataract surgery much of my complaints were resolved and my night vision was much improved. Degradation of vision due to age occurs slowly over time and it's all to easy to write off the degradation and blame other factors.

I have to agree with you about the degradation of our eyesight as we age or as undiagnosed disease befalls us. It often creeps up on us slowly so that we do not become aware of it until it has become a problem.

I have to wonder if the regulations have caught up to the newer variants of LED lighting available. I spend a lot of time on the road and I often see what seems like overly bright headlights. Overwhelmingly this is from newer vehicles that came from the factory with LED lights so I can only presume that they are in compliance with the current regulations. This has led me to wonder whether the regulators haven't really determined what are the best controls to put on the different type of lighting that is projected from LED headlamps.

 

[docw1]

here's a YouTube article that goes over some of the issues:

 

[motornut]

I do not know if anyone has mentioned that during the day it is harder with the brighter lights to tell how fast they are approaching an intersection

 

[ST1100Y]

I have to wonder if the regulations have caught up to the newer variants of LED lighting available.

No they definitely haven't plus the car MFG lobby is "blocking" any bureucratic progress...
They're "buying" certifications in some dubious countries, which have joined the EC just recently, over which all EC members have to "accept" those... so there is "methode" behind it...

And as said earlier: they must be limited by law to 1200 lumen max and <4000K... now, not later... and the LEO's have to get unleashed to enforce it, hard...
And a "... but that's OEM equipment ..." must have no validation... producing glare by exceeding the limits, your face a fine and the vehicle get summoned...
Some models such might only require an added program line, some will require a recall... but they're recalling a lot for a lot less these days...

I do not know if anyone has mentioned that during the day it is harder with the brighter lights to tell how fast they are approaching an intersection

You also can't tell if they have indicators on or not, neither from the front, nor while folowing behind where the glare of LED tail/brakelights also just drowns everything else...