This study involved computer modeling of the effects of luminous intensity of side marker lamps on their nighttime visibility in a simple, dark environment. The luminous intensities that were investigated ranged from 0.25 to 4.0 cd. The predicted visibility distances were then compared with a criterion stopping distance. Analogous modeling was also performed for the side visibility of a car with no side marker lamps. The results imply that at night (1) cars without side marker lamps will often be seen only at distances that are less than a safe stopping distance, and (2) cars with even the dimmest side marker lamps considered here will always be seen at several times the safe stopping distance. Because of the limitations of the modeling, future research should field validate the model predictions. Furthermore, the effects of luminous intensity on the effectiveness of side marker lamps in complex environments should also be analyzed and evaluated. (Author/publisher)
Abstract