Effects of adaptive headlight systems (ADB) on visual attention while driving on curvy roads

Adaptive headlight systems (ADB) improve driving performance and comfort, but may also increase distraction in curves due to additional light dynamics (eg, moving shadows). Here, we 1) demonstrate net advantages of ADB (compared to Low Beam, LB) and 2) characterize looking directions when using ADB. In two field experiments, we investigated night-time driving performance on a public road under different light settings: LB, Pixel-ADB, High Beam (HB). We measured drivers’ eye movements, detection of external target boards, driving speed, and distance to a leading car. Thirty and 28 participants completed three test drives of the same circular route, one per lighting condition (with order of conditions counterbalanced across drivers). Drivers performed two tasks: 1) follow a leading car while keeping a high speed and the same distance throughout, and 2) detect grey target boards on the roadside. Across experiments, results showed nearly similar target detection performance for ADB and HB, and indicated net benefits (compared to LB). Concerning distraction, driving through pointed curves in ADB conditions, drivers’ viewing time on shadows behind the leading car increased and detection performance decreased. In sum, results demonstrated net benefits for ADB and provide clues for how to decrease distraction through light dynamics of ADB.