MUCH attention has been given to the part played in road accidents by alcohol consumption (MSP makes bizarre car crash claim, December 14). But what about the more recent hazard of ulta-bright LED running lights? These can cause a sort of temporary snow blindness.
Some people are so dazzled by such lights in oncoming traffic that they literally cannot see anything at all for a few moments. One woman confessed to me that she just shuts her eyes – what, just when she needs her most accurate vision! Others have said that they just concentrate on driving in a straight line and pray – hazardous indeed!
I wonder if the type of lights in play at the time are recorded by the police during accident investigations? Or whether this factor was – or could be – given consideration by Prof Jim Lewsey and his team? Urgent enquiry would seem to be needed.
There are other side effects of extra bright LED lighting which may reduce driving competence, such as the intense headaches and brain fag which some people experience after a day in the office under such lighting. However, transient dazzling in the face of oncoming traffic must surely contribute directly to the increase in traffic accidents.
Valerie Waters
East Lothian
READ MORE: Tory MSP links road traffic accidents to lower drink driving limit
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