The Law ...

Dr. Gerald G. Sander, M.A. Mag rer.publ. Attorney-at-Law states:
Blinding other road users to claim a false safety advantage over less conspicuous road users violates:
• The Convention Concerning The Power of Authority
• The Law in Respect of the Protection of Infants (1969)
• The bond of Protection
 • The Principle of Equality
• Declaration of Human Rights (1948) Article Three
• The Laws of Logic
• Public Ethics and Morals 
 
Extracts from the UK Highway Code:

Highway Code Lighting requirements (113-116)

114 You MUST NOT

  • use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders
  • use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users (see Rule 226)

In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again.

115 You should also

  • use dipped headlights, or dim-dip if fitted, at night in built-up areas and in dull daytime weather, to ensure that you can be seen
  • keep your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle and then change to main beam if necessary, unless this would dazzle oncoming road users
  • slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by oncoming headlights

Vehicle maintenance  - Lights MUST be properly adjusted to prevent dazzling other road users.

The Law - Road Vehicle Lighting Regulation  RVLR reg 27 is more explicit about prevention of dazzle:
Type of lamp, hazard warning signal device or warning beacon -  Manner of use prohibited
1 Headlamp
(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.
(b) Used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.

2 Front fog lamp
(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.
(b) Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.
(c) Used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.

3 Rear fog lamp
(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to the driver of a following vehicle.
(b) Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.
(c) Save in the case of an emergency vehicle, used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.

These are the prime people responsible for the blinding LED and HID Bi Xenon lights on our roads:
1. Marcin Gorzkowski Chairman of UNECE WP29 Lighting Committee - his committee specified global vehicle lighting regulations that permit blinding LED and HID Bi Xenon headlights and 1,200cd Daytime Running Lamps. gorzkom@tc.gc.ca 
2. Guenter Verheugen Ex Vice President of the EC - as EU Minister for Transport and Industry mandated blinding lights
3. Fred Wegman SWOV Research Institute Director - proclaimed accidents would reduce by 10-15% - in fact they have increased - particularly to vulnerable road users -  Secretary Corrie.van.der.Hoek@SWOV.nl
4. Mike Penning Deputy UK Transport Minister responsible for road safety implemented EU rules in the UK  mike.penning@dft.gsi.gov.uk  

 

    Pfleger and Heilig

BBC April 2011
Sangita Myska
The Lightmare


The Cabbies Guide to Motor Manners
Also see
Media

Lightmare

Ban Blue-Rich Lights

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