Comment from Dawn Kosec

Artificial light at night is a well-documented environmental pressure. It disrupts wildlife behavior, alters ecosystems, and interferes with biological rhythms that have evolved over millions of years. Policy and mitigation efforts have focused on fixed sources of light, such as streetlights, buildings, and sports facilities. Vehicle headlights are different, and they have largely been overlooked. For wildlife that depends on natural darkness to navigate, feed, and reproduce, these passing flashes of light represent a growing and largely unregulated form of light pollution. The same headlight characteristics that cause ecological harm, particularly high intensity and blue-rich light, are also linked to issues for our own well-being. Excessive brightness can increase glare, reduce contrast, and create visual discomfort for oncoming drivers, especially older drivers. Improving how headlights are designed and controlled does not have to mean choosing between environmental protection and public safety. Smarter lighting that reduces unnecessary brightness and glare can benefit wildlife, improve driver comfort, and support safer nighttime travel.