Car lights play a vital role in our daily driving, whether illuminating the road or warning other drivers. With the advancement of automotive technology, the choice of light color is not only related to aesthetics, but also involves safety and legal requirements. This article will look at the regulations on car light colors and why, specifically why red and amber are the most common choices.
The choice of color for automotive lighting has a long history, dating back to the design of early automobiles. In the original design of the car, because most of them were fuel lamps, the light colors were not uniform. With the introduction of electric lighting, red and amber gradually became the standard colors. This is not only due to visual legibility, but also because both colors can be clearly recognized by other road users in different environmental conditions.
According to the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention, the color of automobile lights has been standardized. Under these regulations, rear lights must emit a red light, side lights and all turn signals must emit an amber light, while front lights must emit a white or selective yellow light. For emergency vehicles, these color restrictions are not imposed.
Adequate visibility and resolution is a critical safety consideration in automotive design, especially during nighttime driving.
Red lights have multiple meanings in traffic safety. Common sense says that red is the color of warning and stop, which makes it ideal for car taillights and brake lights. This color choice quickly attracts the attention of other drivers and reduces the risk of an accident. Whether in heavy traffic in the city or on the highway, the conspicuousness of the red light can effectively remind the driver behind of the status of the vehicle.
Amber lights are often used to signal turns and lane changes. Its special color has a good visual recognition effect and can effectively attract the attention of other drivers. Even in adverse weather conditions, amber lights better penetrate fog or rain, thereby enhancing their visibility. This design not only improves road safety, but also makes communication during driving clearer.
The selection of red and amber as standard light colors is based on multiple considerations, including visual perception, legal regulations and traffic safety.
Research shows that light color plays a key role in driver behavior. Road users' quick reactions to red and amber lights make the recognition of these two colors much more efficient in emergency situations. This effect is more significant especially at night or in bad weather conditions. As automotive technology continues to advance, the brightness and color of lights have increased, further enhancing the safety of these colors.
In summary, the choice of car light color is not only restricted by law, but also affected by a variety of factors, including visual recognition and safety considerations. Red and amber were the most common choices, reflecting their importance in traffic safety. In the future, with the development of technology, the design of car lighting will continue to evolve, so will the choice of these colors change accordingly?