Glare at Night-Time Driving: Effect of Correlated Color Temperature of Led Lamps

Objective This study aims to analyze the effect of correlated color temperature from LED glare sources on driving performance. The evaluation includes assessing the effect of disability glare on visual reaction time and rating discomfort glare using a standardized scale. Background LED technology is widely incorporated into various lighting systems; however, the impact of glare from oncoming car headlamps on driving performance at night-time is crucial for road safety. Method Twenty-three healthy young subjects participated in a laboratory-based experiment simulating night driving using a two-channel Maxwellian view optical system. Two LED lamps with correlated color temperature of 2800 K and 6500 K were used to generate a glare of 52 lx. Disability glare was quantified in terms of foveal reaction time and discomfort glare was rated using the de Boer scale. Results The results show that glare-induced effect is mitigated by an increase in background luminance. The correlated color temperature of the LED lamp does not affect either reaction time or discomfort glare rating. Conclusion The greater short-wavelength emission of 6500 K lamp does not intensify the effect of disability or discomfort glare, probably due to the macular pigment absorption on foveal vision and the transparency of ocular media, coupled with the involvement of other contributing factors. The correlated color temperature of the lamp is not the best descriptive parameter to identify its effect on glare. Application It is important to consider the impact of LED technology on visual performance to enhance road safety in critical glare situations during night driving.