Volvo models of the future will feature Active High Beam Control which will mean drivers will always be driving with full beam on but the system features a mechanism that prevents dazzling oncoming drivers.

The new technology will be available on the new S60, V60 and XC60 from spring 2013. When an oncoming car approaches or when catching up with another car from behind, the system helps to prevent dazzling of the other driver by shading out only as much of the beam as necessary.

Prof. Lotta Jakobsson, senior technical specialist safety at Volvo Cars Safety Centre, said: “Our aim with the renewed Active High Beam Control technology is to enhance visibility in the dark by making it possible to use high beam permanently, without having to switch to low beam when meeting or catching up with other cars.

Active High Beam Control uses the camera already used for the detection and auto brake systems located by the rear-view mirror at the top of the windscreen to identify the other vehicle and the area that needs to be shaded. The technology is accurate enough to frame the chosen object with only a 1.5 degree margin.