Date:    Fri, 19 Mar 2004 19:49:49 -0600
From:    Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: H-4 Headlamp

Texas has long sought a solution to the problem of very intense bright
headlights.
They are known to cause accidents by temporarily blinding on coming
motorist.
As the start of a solution Texas Troopers can now write up people with these
intensely bright headlights if the headlights scorch the trooper's ass as he
walks past the front of the vehicle.
I for one think Texas has made a first good move towards the ever growing
problem.

Most of civilized Europe has been using sharp cutoff headlights like the
ones
the fellow is seeking for 30 years or so. With no apparent increase in
dazzling.
They are clearly better than DOT swill.
However it requires one to AIM the headlights so that the cutoff is below
the eyeline of
oncoming drunks and of course use reason in selecting the lumens one applies
to the reflectors.

Pensioner has had QI lamps since the 70s on all his cars.  Properly aimed,
no problem.  But some
in the great state not only can't find their way to the National Guard
Armory regardless of headlights but also require a video and divine guidance
to use a screwdriver to aim their headlights.  Excluding present company of
course.

With a very good set of low beams high beams are rarely necessary at vanagon
speeds.

cheers,