New Headlight Safety Ratings Show Most Cars Need Improvement

BOSTON (CBS) - The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) tested headlights on numerous midsize cars and rated their performance for the first time. The results are dismal.

"If you're having trouble seeing behind the wheel at night, it could very well be your headlights and not your eyes that are to blame," IIHS Chief Research Officer David Zuby said in a statement.

"Our evaluation involves looking at both the high beams and the low beams, different paths along the test track."

Read: The IIHS List

Of the 31 midsize cars tested, the Toyota Prius v was the only one to earn a good rating when upgraded to include LED lights and high-beam assist.

"Adding $7,000 to the cost of a Prius over the base model to get the better headlights," Zuby said.

Researchers found the more expensive cars don't always come equipped with better quality lights. Many of the poor-rated headlights were installed on luxury vehicles.

The BMW 3 series' halogen headlights had the lowest-scoring system.

"Over half of the fatal crashes that occur every year occur at night or at dusk or at dawn," Zuby said. "Helping drivers see the road better at night can help cut into those deaths and injuries."

The IIHS says new high intensity lights and curve adaptive headlights that adjust to steering don't always mean better performance.

The Kia Optima and Mercedes-Benz C-class, equipped with adaptive lights, performed poorly,

While the basic halogen lights on the Honda Accord received an acceptable rating.

The institute also factored in excessive glare for drivers in oncoming cars. Vehicles with excessive glare can't earn a rating above marginal.

While most headlights need improvement, drivers already have a key tool to improve visibility - high beams. But the institute says a recent study shows drivers rarely use them.

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