This study was part of a series of studies on variable-reflectance rearview mirrors. Previous work included laboratory studies of human visual performance, field collection of photometric data, and mathematical modeling of the visual benefits of variable-reflectance mirrors. The study extends that work by collecting photometric and human-performance data while subjects drove in actual traffic. Three mirror conditions were investigated: (1) fixed-reflectance mirrors in the center and drive-side positions; (2) a variable-reflectance mirror in the center with a fixed-reflectance mirror on the driver side; and (3) variable-reflectance mirrors in both positions. Results Results indicate that variable-reflectance mirrors provided a substantial reduction in discomfort glare without a measurable reduction in subjective ratings of rearward seeing ability.
Abstract