Why are modern car headlights so bright?

My husband and I live in a village and most of our driving is in rural areas. I have noticed that the number of cars with very bright dipped headlights seems to be on the increase and causes real problems. Our 2007 Toyota Corolla has a wheel adjustment on the dashboard that alters the rake of the lights. I use it all the time when driving at night. Do all new cars have this facility? If not, why not?

Asked on 3 March 2012 by NH, Blandford Forum, Dorset

Answered by Honest John
HID Xenons fitted as original equipment have to automatically adjust their beam heights. The trouble is, the mechanisms are often slow to react, or fail completely, and because they can cost £800 - £1200 a side to replace, they are often not replaced. Another case of an EC Type Approval regulation causing more problems than it solves.
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