Most Small SUV Headlights Rate Poor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is shining a light on poor performing headlights. 3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan takes a look at the test results.
Diane Meyer has no complaints about her 2016 Nissan Rogue. She says, "Wow, what did I miss."
But the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says it's one of many 2016 and 2017 small SUV's with poor performing headlights.
Matthew Brumbelow is a Senior Research Engineer for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. He says, "We tested 21 different makes and models and of those, not a single one received the highest rating of good. So our second highest rating, there were four that were acceptable and then all the rest were either marginal or poor."
The Institute tested visibility on straightaways and curves. In one test they showed how an acceptable-rated Mazda CX-3 lights up more of the road than a poor-rated Honda HR-V.
Comparison shopping is hard. Auto makers offer a dizzying mix of headlight options and new technology like lights that turn. But that doesn't always lead to better performance.
In the meantime, Brumbelow has a suggestion. He says, "One thing we would encourage everyone to do is use their high beams as much as possible." Of course, that only works when there's no oncoming traffic.
Despite the report, Meyer is satisfied with the lights on her Rogue. She says, "I don't like to drive at night and I didn't see a problem with the headlights at all."
For more information on this Insurance Institute for Highway Safety test, click here.