The maximum intensity of ECE high beams is almost twice as high (140 kcd) as the maximum intensity of U.S. high beams (75 kcd) at 12.8 V. In this study, the advantages and disadvantages of these two levels of high beam intensity are analysed and evaluated. The effects of the two intensities are compared in nine factors: visibility without opposing headlights, glare from opposing and following vehicles, dimming distance, sensitivity of degradation, priority between high and low beams and within the high beam, driver eye fixations, difference between high- and low-beam intensity, range of high-beam intensities in traffic, and high-beam usage. The results of this analysis show that the higher intensity of the ECE high beams is superior from visibility and safety points of view. For the covering abstract see ITRD E123380.
Abstract