Danger of blinding for cyclists: ADFC calls for protective measures in Saxony-Anhalt!

Danger of blinding for cyclists: ADFC calls for protective measures in Saxony-Anhalt!

What's happening in Dessau-Roßlau? The safety of cyclists is currently the focus of discussion. Frank Brune from the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) expresses serious concerns, as one-sided cycle paths on country roads, which are often structurally lowered, represent a source of danger. Cyclists are illuminated by the bright beams of car headlights and feel very blinded as a result. The development of modern vehicles that rely on LED or laser light improves visibility for drivers, but significantly increases the risk of blinding cyclists. This type of glare can severely impair cyclists' ability to react and perceive things and has already led to serious accidents in Saxony-Anhalt, reports MDR.

The ADFC sees the installation of glare protection in critical areas as a necessary measure. These guards consist of narrow posts that block direct headlights. Pilot projects, such as the cycle path between Dessau and Roßlau or the Elbe bridge in Wittenberg, have shown how glare protection can work. However, those responsible are struggling with a lack of space and high costs to introduce such systems. Safety for cyclists must be at the top of the priority list.

Glare is a widespread problem

Looking outside the box, a Europe-wide survey conducted by ADAC in collaboration with other automobile clubs shows that 90 percent of drivers in Germany also feel dazzled. Younger drivers up to 35 years of age are particularly affected, 32 percent of whom regularly or almost always suffer from glare, while this problem only affects 23 percent of people over 50 years of age. The survey impressively shows that glare from high beams is the main cause. A significant proportion of drivers, 67 percent to be precise, rate the glare from vehicle lighting as unacceptable or at least annoying ( ADAC ).

It is therefore inevitable that 61.7 percent of those surveyed find glare annoying. Over 27 percent report stress or fatigue due to this intense glare. What is particularly drastic is that 50 percent of drivers squint or even close their eyes when confronted with bright light. This problem is only exacerbated by unfavorable weather conditions such as darkness, fog, rain or snow. A look into the future shows that the ADAC plans to initiate scientific studies to investigate the causes of glare and to develop practical solutions.

Need for action identified

At the symposium against glare in road traffic, which brought together over 60 experts from industry, science and consumer protection, possible technical and regulatory measures were intensively discussed. The ADAC's technology president, Karsten Schulze, is calling for existing regulations on vehicle lighting to be adapted to real road conditions. The recommended measures include, among other things, limiting the luminance of headlights, optimizing adaptive high beam systems as well as regulations for effective headlight cleaning systems and automatic headlight range control. The aim is also to create smooth transitions between light and dark areas in order to reduce the strain on the human eye ( Press portal ).

Overall, it is clear that road safety plays a priority role for both cyclists and drivers. The ADFC and other organizations are committed to ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to combat glare in order to increase road safety for everyone.