How to Avoid Dazzling Others

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23333, 29 April 1939, Page 12 (Supplement)

How to Avoid Dazzling Others

SUGGESTIONS FOR LAMP ADJUSTMENTS

a S winter approaches and many IX black, wet nights lie ahead JL A- to bother the motorist, it is as well to consider now the adjustment of headlamps to minimise dazzle. This is a subject that causes no little concern among drivers, in view of the tendency to forsake courtesy, with a consequent increase in the danger of night driving, particularly if it is wet.

It is wrong to blame the lamps for dazzle. They are not at fault at all, but the fault lies in their mounting and misuse. Headlamps do still dazzle, and while the present design is retained they always will. Much of the dazzle is entirely unnecessary, and results simply from indifference on the part of the car owner, in allowing his headlamps to be sot badly and incorrectly focussed.

A headlamp out of focus will cause considerable trouble, in addition to impairing immensely the general efficiency of the beams. Black spots stand out prominently between the beams; the range is reduced and tho driver will experience considerably greater fatigue after a journey behind such equipment as compared with the pleasure normally to be enjoyed driving behind a pair of well-set, correctly focussed beams. _ When approaching another car with headlights on, don't wait for the other driver to take the initiative and operate his dip-switch. Ho is probably waiting for you to do the same. The result is that you both go ou driving far toolong and are considerably dazzled beiore finally one or the other decides to dip; the other always responds immediately. Dip early, and you will find that much benefit is derived therefrom. Different types of lamps, have different means for adjustment. With the latest it involves removing the front glass and tho reflector, slackening tho clamping clip at the back of the latter, then moving the bulb backwards and foiwards.until the best results are obWhen focussing lamps, it should be done with the fronts removed; tho bulb, when in focus, should throw a, whito light on the screen. Any black spot in the centre of tho light area should be eliminated by adjusting tho bull) in relation to the reflector. hxamine the bulb if difficulty is experienced in getting tho correct setting. One with a sagged filament or ono that is blackened at all, cannot be accurately focused." Another important consideration is tho fact that tho mere taking on of passengers on many a light car will deflect tho springs, alter tho sottntg of the car itself and so sejid the beams upwards.