Many DVN readers are familiar with the technical issues related to harmonisation of vehicle lighting regulations: which lights have to be installed, how big and bright they have to be, what colour, etc. Regardless of objective safety performance, industry inertia and differences in philosophy have created enduring roadblocks to global agreement. Gradually these are being reconciled as we cooperatively consider the practical reasons for having technical regulations at all: the needs of the involved road users. These needs differ somewhat by region, and as more regions open their markets and look at the prospects for international trade, new needs have to be considered. And always we have to improve the pedestrian fatalities!
But there are less obvious, more difficult hurdles, too. This week, General Editor Daniel Stern explores some of these more esoteric issues, including the challenges posed by the structure and function of various countries’ legal systems. These must be considered and thoughtfully addressed to pave the way for smooth, rapid, global adoption of ADB (adaptive driving beam or glare free high beam), matrix beam, laser headlamps, and other new lighting technologies to improve roadway safety.
We mustn’t wait for widespread market arrival—the time is now to initiate discussions about how to prepare, legally, for these new technologies. Discussions with NHTSA, GRE, GTB, and Chinese authorities, notably at the DVN workshops in the US and Shanghai this year, as well as at IFAL, showed room for progress in worldwide harmonisation. We have to accelerate these talks productively in order to facilitate the introduction of new technologies. I invite the lighting community to think to this point.
In a similar spirit—international cooperation and communication—take heed of two fresh DVN innovations: The Chinese version of the newsletter and the launch of our new Community section on the DVN website. Enjoy!
Sincerely yours
DVN Editor in Chief