Driving Safety and Comfort: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Role of Automobile Headlights

This study analyzes research trends in vehicle headlights, focusing on publications related to driving safety and comfort. The research aims to reveal the developments in headlight technologies, the effects of lighting performance on driving safety and comfort, the use of headlights in different road and weather conditions, and the general trends in scientific studies on these subjects. A combined quantitative and visual analysis approach is used to comprehensively understand the intellectual accumulation, citation patterns, influential researchers, and the evolution of research themes over time. The analysis covers 953 publications, linked to 241 publications obtained using the keywords "vehicle or car and headlight or headlamp," and reveals a recent increase in research activities, especially in 2021-2024, reflecting the automotive industry's emphasis on advanced driver assistance systems and innovative lighting technologies. Multi-authored publications were found to have higher citation counts, demonstrating the value of collaboration. Temporal distribution analysis shows an increasing research interest in vehicle headlights. The findings highlight key influencers and collaboration networks within the field, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in addressing common challenges related to road safety and driving innovation. This study provides insights into emerging research trends and potential gaps, guiding future research directions in the pursuit of safer and more comfortable driving experiences.