Features in Audi\u2019s new headlight system could inadvertently increase the risk of accidents by distracting other drivers, campaigners have warned.<\/p>\n
Last year, the German manufacturer unveiled its new digital matrix LED headlights, which are being used in models including the A6 and the Q3. <\/p>\n
The \u201cintelligent lighting\u201d contains 25,600 individually controlled micro-LEDs enabling the system to project patterns and journey information onto the road surface as the car moves forward.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Drivers lose faith in EVs\u2019 savings as pay-per-mile road tax looms<\/a><\/p>\n This includes projecting a snowflake onto the road ahead when the temperature drops below 4C to warn of slippery conditions, and projecting a triangle with an exclamation mark if there are reports of an accident ahead. <\/p>\n If the vehicle spots someone in the road a \u201clight cone\u201d, separate from the main headlights, will flash up to highlight the person\u2019s presence. <\/p>\n John Kushnick, the legal director at National Accident Helpline, said: \u201cFeatures such as snowflake and cone projections were designed to improve safety, but these excessively intense lights can have the opposite effect. <\/p>\n \u201cEven momentary glare can significantly reduce reaction times, obscure pedestrians, cyclists and road markings, and overall increase the likelihood of avoidable collisions.\u201d<\/p>\n The technology also includes an \u201corientation light\u2019, which projects two parallel lines on to the road ahead while driving on a carriageway to help the driver maintain lane position.<\/p>\n If a lane boundary is unintentionally crossed one of these lines on the road turns into an arrow telling the driver to return back. If the Audi is being overtaken the light will move slightly to inform the driver of being approached from behind. <\/p>\n When changing lanes the headlights adjust to be spread over both the lane that is being left and the one in to which the car is moving. <\/p>\n Although many of these functions can be deactivated by drivers, Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said lighting was becoming too complex. <\/p>\n