For a long time, Russia virtually lacked uniformity in the requirements for automotive lighting and warning signals. More precisely, formal norms existed, but in practice they were often ignored due to the chaotic development of the market. Cars with right-hand drive, cars from the USA and Europe were simultaneously found on the roads - almost everything that could be sold and registered with the traffic police was registered.
Attempts were made to restore order: in 2007, the country introduced a ban on red turn signals, but in 2011 it was canceled. Today, the situation has become noticeably more streamlined, although even now you can find new Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe and Jeep Grand Cherokee with red rear optics. Against this background, the question naturally arises why "there" a different color of signals is used.
Origins of tradition: taillights in the USA
Red turn signals on cars for the American market have become a stable norm under the influence of historical and cultural factors. Even in the days of carriages and carts, oil lamps with red light were used to indicate moving vehicles at night. With the start of mass production of cars, this color became established as a symbol of movement from behind and stopping a vehicle, gradually turning into a tradition.
Legislative framework
The legal basis for this decision was the US Federal Safety Standards FMVSS No. 108. The document requires that all rear brake lights emit exclusively red light - regardless of whether the lamp or glass is painted. These standards have been in effect since the mid-20th century and are mandatory for all automakers operating in the American market. It is believed that this requirement increases the visibility of the car and reduces the likelihood of accidents.
How color affects perception
An argument in favor of red signals was research in the field of visual perception. Road safety experiments have shown that red has a stronger visual impact and attracts attention faster than white or orange. Scientists have concluded that the human eye reacts more quickly to red as a danger signal, so its use helps to improve road safety.
European and Russian approach
In Russia, they are guided by European standards, where the rear turn signals are traditionally made in orange. However, this was not always the case: in the past, Europe also used red signals, but later switched to yellow. In the USSR, the Pobeda and GAZ-21 cars were also equipped with red turn signals; a similar solution was used on trucks. Thus, the choice of color is determined not only by history, but also by the current legislative norms of a particular country.
Features of headlights for the American market
The differences concern not only the rear lights, but also the headlights. The headlights of cars intended for the USA often differ from European and Japanese versions, since they are subject to the requirements of the same federal standards FMVSS No. 108. These regulations set the parameters of the shape, location, intensity and angles of light scattering, and also limit the technologies used, which is why cars for other markets do not always meet American standards.
In the USA, special attention is paid to protecting drivers from blinding light. Legislation provides for restrictions on the use of xenon lamps, while in Europe and Russia such light sources are allowed. In addition, headlights for the American market have a different design of reflectors and lenses, which allows you to distribute the luminous flux differently between low and high beam modes, taking into account the characteristics of high-speed highways and driving conditions.
Since the American market remains one of the key ones for automakers, companies have to adapt lighting elements to local requirements. Often, headlights and taillights are developed as separate components specifically for the USA. This practice is explained by strict safety standards, operating conditions and cultural preferences characteristic of American drivers.