blog home Car Safety Exciting news: “Smart headlights” mean safer driving

Exciting news: “Smart headlights” mean safer driving

By Ken Gibson on April 7, 2022

Cars are constantly getting safer. Automatic braking systems, rear-view cameras, tire pressure monitoring systems, and blind spot detection are just a few of the recent innovations that help protect you and your family when you’re on the road.

But there’s one essential component of auto safety that hasn’t been substantially upgraded in more than 50 years. Until just a few months ago, the advances in headlight technology in American cars were restricted by a government regulation from 1967 that defined how high- and low-beam headlights were allowed to function.

Thanks to a recent ruling by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), American drivers will soon be able to enjoy a new generation of “smart headlights” that will improve safety by reducing glare and illuminating the road ahead.

What are smart headlights?

 Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights are already available in Europe, Canada, and Japan.

They are often referred to as “smart” headlights because they provide automated beamforming that’s controlled by a computer to strategically aim your headlights. With ADB, cameras and sensors determine the best direction for the beams.

ADB automatically changes the shape, brightness, and direction of the headlights. These LED lamps focus their beams on dark areas in the driver’s lane and along the roadside. They also make objects in the road more visible, helping to reduce collisions and enhancing the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. This will help save lives in Virginia because most of our state’s pedestrian auto accident fatalities happen at night,  .

ADB uses only a central high beam instead of requiring the driver to turn on their high beam. The current technology for manual and automatic high beams can distract oncoming motorists, especially in populated areas. ADB provides better illumination than traditional high beams without bothering other drivers.

ADB headlights deliver improved visibility when you’re driving in poor weather conditions. They cut through the rain and snow. And in heavy fog, ADB reduces glare, as compared with regular headlights or high beams.

More cars with smart headlights are coming to America

Automakers have been lobbying for this update since 2021. With the new NHTSA ruling, manufacturers can begin installing ADB on new American cars.

We can expect to see ADB headlights in luxury cars first. Audi already charges about $3,000 for their most advanced version of ADB. This safety technology is expected to spread to more models as greater innovation drives the price down.

In addition to providing superior illumination, ADB can also improve automated driver-assist systems. This helps drivers stay in their lane and avoid hitting objects in the road. The Audi Digital Matrix even anticipates a lane change by widening the beam to the intended lane.

Improved visibility will prevent injuries and save lives

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we applaud any development that reduces the number of people killed or injured in car crashes. Our top priority is always improving the health and safety of our friends and neighbors in Virginia. We have special empathy for our clients because we know what it’s like to be in a bad car wreck.

As more automakers install ADB headlights in their cars and trucks, our Virginia roads will become safer. This means fewer people will have to undergo the results of the following types of injuries:

Burn injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Crush Injuries

Loss of limb

Spinal cord injuries

Scarring and disfigurement

Internal organ injury

Nerve damage

Wrongful death

Were you injured in a car accident caused by someone else?

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence, our legal team at GibsonSingleton is ready to help. We will work smart to get you a settlement that covers the cost of your medical care and other injury-related expenses. We use all of our years of experience in working for insurance companies and in the courtroom to your benefit.

Call (804) 413-6777 today for a free meeting to find out your best options and how we can help. We’ll also tell you about our Zero Fee Guarantee: we get paid when you get paid.

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Community service

Prevention, empathy, and diligence are hallmarks of everything we do at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. Our community can see these ideals lived out in our work to prevent personal injuries from happening.

  • Safety Education
    GibsonSingleton launches a “Texts=Wrecks” campaign to reduce the number of people injured or killed by distracted drivers.
  • Annual Coat Drive
    During the fall, our team works to distribute coats to people in need in our community.
  • Hands-on Service
    John and Ken join the Gloucester Point Rotary Club in cleaning up the community.
  • Supporting Local Schools
    The Gibson family participates in Gloucester’s Botetourt Elementary Shuffle fundraiser.