Optometrist says blonde drivers “much more dangerous” than brunettes ‹ Scott Edelman

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Optometrist says blonde drivers “much more dangerous” than brunettes

Posted by: Scott Tags: old newspapers Posted date: September 15, 2011 | 1 Comment

According to a May 1937 Associated Press article, blonde drivers are “much more dangerous” than brunettes, because:

When the lights of an oncoming car hit a driver’s eyes he drives blind for a certain number of feet. … It takes from one-fifth to one and one-fifth seconds to recover natural night-driving vision. Blondes with light eyes take far longer than brunettes with dark eyes and should drive much slower.

Since this 74-year-old article is the first time I’ve ever heard of this theory, I figure it’s safe to assume it was disproved a long time ago.

You’ll tell me if I’m wrong in that assumption, right?

Comment for Optometrist says blonde drivers “much more dangerous” than brunettes

BJD

As a natural, very light blonde I believe this to be true. My optometrist cautioned me to wear sunglasses year round. Unless you have dyed blonde hair, you need to have eye coverings (glasses). I think this article to be accurate. And those of us who are real blondes need to take extra precautions.