LED Roadway Lighting In California Undergoes Investigation

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Photo Credit: Unsplash

LED lighting can be a cost-effective and long-lasting alternative to old incandescent lighting schemes. Many cities in and around the Bay Area have opted to install municipal LED street lighting in an effort to make streets safer while simultaneously saving money. However, this great safety feature, when installed incorrectly, can come with a drawback: glares from the lamps may pose driver safety hazards in certain situations. Black spots that appear after staring at a bright light or the sun, also known as glare bombs, can be easily caused by a short glimpse at over-powerful LED lights.

A recent investigation into the level of glare produced from certain LED street lights found that the blue light rays emitted could be “unbearable.” Researchers found that several factors contributed to discomfort and distraction, including the angle of the rays, the contrast of the background darkness, and the complex biochemistry governing how the driver’s eye takes in the light.

For example, an overhead streetlight, which produces vertical light, set against a completely black backdrop produced the most uncomfortable effects. Researchers found that that stimulus created a negative physiological effect on the body, one that presumably could also distract drivers and reduce visibility.

Researchers still hope to find ways to reduce glare on roadways. Their plans include finding ways to improve streetlight design and minimizing the lumen output of decorative LED street lights. These findings may warrant a change in LED industry standards.

Contact Us About Municipal LED Street Lighting That’s Safe for Your City

To construct the safest, most dependable LED lighting scheme for your application, whether you’re in charge of planning for your city or you’re drawing up plans for an expansion of a Bay Area shopping center, call our team at (925) 240-1566 (California) or (775) 333-0900 (Nevada), or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation and insight. Our lighting team will work with you every step of the way, and you can rest assured that your municipal lighting is installed correctly, without the worrisome unwanted glare.