Automotive News reports an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study found that only two midsize SUVs out of 37 examined featured headlights worthy of a “good” ranking, with another 12 vehicles awarded an “acceptable” rating. IIHS senior research engineer Matt Brumbelow said midsize SUV headlights “perform slightly better than the other SUVs and pickups we evaluated last year,” but “we continue to see headlights that compromise safety because they only provide a short view down the road at night.” The two vehicles receiving “good” ratings were the 2017 Volvo XC60 and the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe.
USA Today reports the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has asked to use adaptive beam technology to provide better headlight performance. However, despite a request from Toyota to NHTSA to use the technology in 2013, NHTSA has yet to approve its use. NHTSA said in a statement, “DOT and NHTSA welcome data and research, including that by IIHS, that can serve to encourage manufacturers to improve headlight performance beyond minimum federal safety standards.”
The Associated Press and Car and Driver also report.
From the news release of the American Association for Justice.
