Investigation of the light distribution of car headlights : the effect of their angle of inclination on the visibility of pedestrians and the blinding of oncoming drivers

Abstract

The roadway is a high-risk environment where every road user needs to maintain attention. The vehicle has been and remains one of the key sources of danger. Lighting, and particularly the setting of car headlights, directly affects the visibility of objects and the risk of blinding oncoming drivers. However, many drivers do not pay enough attention to this. Self-adjusting the headlights, the wrong choice of them often leads to incorrect aiming, poor visibility and increased glare.

The aim of the work is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effects of headlamp vertical aim and beam distribution and to identify a balance between improving pedestrian visibility and reducing glare. The findings outline a recommended range of headlamp settings and formulate practical guidance for vehicle servicing and driver education, including measures to prevent improper self-adjustment. The results can serve as a basis for improving calibration procedures and for adapting approaches in modern headlighting control systems.