The 1977 model of Saab 99 is equipped with a new lighting system with two aims: (1) to increase the visibility of the vehicle from a sideways direction, (2) to function as a cornering light and hence give the driver better visibility to the left and right at close distance. Some possible negative effects of this new system in combination with the ordinary low beam were studied. Two comparisons were made: (a) comparison with the earlier Saab system and (b) comparison with a different car. The light distributions for the different systems were established on dry as well as on wet road surface, with unloaded vehicles as well as with a 50 kg load in the trunk. Two meeting angles were chosen for the measurement of disability glare: 0 degrees and 6 degrees respectively, the latter angle giving the highest light intensities. The visibility of the direction indicators was also checked as a comparison between the two Saab systems. No tangible negative effects were found as a result of a combination of the ordinary low beam with the new corner/running light.
Abstract