In order to reach a vision optimum in road traffic the interaction between the following must be studied: (1) minimum vision requirements for motor vehicle drivers; (2) motor vehicle lighting with its possibilities for development in order to cope with night time driving in areas with no permanent street lighting; (3) the optical and technical design of street lighting; and (4) the optical minimum requirements for the windscreen as installed in motor vehicles. In this connection there are three important and actual questions which should be discussed thoroughly: (1) How can night time driving be made safer? (2) How can vision deficiencies be technically balanced so that no unjustifiable risk results for the individual and the community through night time driving in spite of these deficiencies? and (3) What measures must be included by lawmakers and by those who prescribe ordinances in a concept for accident prevention during night time driving? This paper concentrates on the assessment of those vision requirements which the windscreen, as a component part, influences.
Abstract