Throughout the years, cars continue to advance in ways that change the way people drive. Whether it’s a new GPS system with seamless smartphone integration, or advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, technology is reshaping the driving experience.
Modern vehicles are becoming smarter, with artificial intelligence assisting drivers in ways that were once only imagined. Many cars now feature adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and even self-parking capabilities. These advancements aim to make driving more convenient and safer, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall efficiency on the road.
However, with these innovations, come challenges. The increasing reliance on technology raises concerns about the reliance on screens and the distractions that come with it. One big topic throughout social media and talk through the school is LED lights.
One of the most significant changes has been headlights in the cars. LED headlights made their “debut” in the mid-2000s. While the more expensive cars had this feature, most drivers had the traditional halogen lights, a warmer tone, rather than the cool-toned LEDs. As the years went on, more and more cars utilized this new technology, car dealerships and companies promising better visibility at night.
Looking ahead, the future of cars may involve fully autonomous vehicles, expanded use of electric power, and even greater connectivity between cars and infrastructure. While some welcome these changes with excitement, others worry about the implications, such as job losses in industries tied to traditional driving and manufacturing.
Ultimately, as automotive technology continues to evolve, it is important to consider both the benefits and the drawbacks. While many advancements make driving safer and more enjoyable, they also bring new challenges that society must address. One thing is certain—cars will continue to change, and how we adapt to those changes will shape the future of transportation.
The argument of LED headlights has been a hot topic, every new model of cars has this feature. Petitions to ban the headlights have taken place in Philadelphia with over 41,000 signatures, according to ABC, the drivers think that the lights are “blinding.” Citizens have suffered from crashes, migraines, and illness from the headlights. While others say that it’s cost efficient, lasting longer, and using less power, lasting about 15 times the amount of halogen lights.
Students in their junior and senior year have experienced these headlights on the road, either behind the wheel or as a passenger. Answers, via a Google form, 32 students took the time to fill it out. 67.7 percent think the LED highlights are harmful to drivers on the road, while 32.3 percent think they are non-harmful.
Responses
“I don’t think they’re harmful but they are annoying.”
“If you have anything on your windshield like streaks from cleaning it, it’s almost impossible to see.”
“With the high beams turned off, I’ve had times where I’m still squinting because I can’t see and I don’t want to wreck.”
“I’ve almost crashed at night on the highway just because I could not see the road due to LED headlights.”
“I drive a lower car, so I’m constantly being blinded by LED headlights at night. Maybe they help the driver see better, but I cannot see the road until they pass and it’s dangerous. Especially on tall cars like trucks, I just feel like there’s no need. If I can see just fine with my incandescent headlights, so can they.”
“I have LED headlights and they are way better than my old ones, but on the other hand, my dad also has LED headlights and whenever he drives beside me he blinds me.”
”Whenever I’m driving and an oncoming car has LED headlights, even if they’re low beams, I am blinded for a good two to three seconds after they pass. Looking to the side of the road helps a little, but if for example, they’re coming up over a hill, and you can’t look away fast enough, you can see dots in your vision for a few seconds.”
“LED headlights help me see deer.”
“I think LED headlights are harmful to both the person that has them and the other drivers on the road. When someone with LED headlights is coming up the road, if they don’t turn off their high beams, it nearly blinds you for a couple of seconds, which is extremely unsafe. My car doesn’t have LED headlights, but my brother does, and from experience sitting in his passenger seat, having extremely bright headlights on in bad weather, like rain or snow, actually makes it more difficult to see, since they create such an intense reflection.”
“I believe there are upsides and downsides to them. They are more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. On the downside, they are very bright. So this can cause problems for oncoming drivers. Overall, the benefits are better long term but a way to mute the intensity may be beneficial.”
