Some people, especially older adults, have a problem driving at night. In fact, many of them get most of their driving done during the day to avoid driving at night. That happened before the surge of blue headlights. Seeing blue headlights on the road makes driving at night even more difficult.
Blue headlights may cause momentary blindness
Sometimes luxury car manufacturers like to install blue headlights because they can appear brighter than the traditional, yellow-tinted halogen bulbs. Blue headlights help drivers see more of the scenery at night. However, blue lights can be dangerous for other drivers because of the glare. In fact, studies show that these tinted lights can cause momentary blindness.
A 2007 study revealed that many drivers are uncomfortable when seeing blue headlights coming their way. Another study by the Department of Transportation (DoT) found that 88% of drivers have said they are quite uncomfortable when a car with blue headlights comes toward them. They are afraid of having an accident.
Blue headlights are dangerous in Virginia
Virginian lawmakers realize how dangerous blue headlights are. Therefore, Senator Lionell Spruill (D-Chesapeake) proposed a bill that would ban drivers from getting “aftermarket modifications” for blue headlights. The bill contains "an exception for headlights pre-installed by the manufacturer and approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)."
The bill to ban blue headlights has passed in the Senate with only one Republican senator opposing the bill. If the bill passed through the House of Delegates, then it will become law, and Virginia drivers will no longer be allowed to use two popular forms of aftermarket modifications.
- They will not be able to purchase blue LED bulbs from online retailers.
- Drivers will no longer be allowed to install blue-tinted films to alter their headlights.
Hopefully, the bill will become law so Virginia roads will be safe for night driving.
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