Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are the way of the future! Less and less people are using incandescent light bulbs in their homes and offices. Even our streetlights are being upgraded to LEDs across the country! Yet, is this light source entirely safe for drivers?
About LED Lighting
LED bulbs are energy-efficient, long-lasting sources of light that require little maintenance. They are a great option for towns looking to cut costs and decrease their carbon footprint. In fact, according to one environmental study, a complete conversion to LED nationwide could lower carbon emissions by as much as 50 percent in 20 years. However, despite these benefits, LED streetlights pose several dangers for drivers.
Risks of LED
As landscape or ambient lighting, LED does not pose much of a health threat. On the other hand, certain LED bulbs can cause serious eye problems when used as streetlights.
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- Brightness is too harsh
Drivers have complained about the intense illumination of LED bulbs. The color temperature has a high concentration of blue light; color temperature is the frequency of each visible wavelength of light (violet, red, blue, green, yellow, orange and red) measured in Kelvin (K).
- Brightness is too harsh
- Eye Discomfort and Glare
LED has more blue wavelengths than any other color, which can cause eye troubles. The American Medical Association advises that streetlights be 3000 K or less, but many LEDs large enough for streetlamps are 4000 – 5000 K. If drivers are unable to see clearly in such bright lighting, the number of traffic accidents after dark could increase. - Impact on Circadian Rhythm
The circadian rhythm is our sleep cycle, influenced by environmental factors like Daylight Saving Time. Bright lighting can negatively impact our sleep patterns through the suppression of melatonin, a hormone that helps control natural sleeping habits. Drivers who are tired and unalert behind the wheel pose a serious danger to other motorists on the road.
When drivers are involved in auto accidents, they often don’t know where to turn. For the compensation you deserve, turn to the experienced Connecticut car accident lawyers at Trantolo & Trantolo.
