Toward the development of a field methodology for evaluating discomfort glare from automobile headlamps

Abstract

The aim of this research was to collect information and experimental data toward the development of a universally acceptable methodology for evaluating discomfort glare from vehicle headlamps. Three separate studies were performed: (a) an international survey of experts in headlighting and vision, soliciting opinions on desirable aspects of such a methodology; (b) a field evaluation of a proposed methodology at a speed of 50 km/hr (30 mph); and (c) a field evaluation at 100 km/hr (60 mph). The findings of this research suggest that the proposed methodology, which is easy to set up and implement, provides relatively reliable and valid measures of discomfort glare, and is time-efficient with respect to data collection.