Cynic wrote:

LEDs are inherently more directional than other forms of lighting.
That is in fact a good thing, because any light that is illuminating
areas you don't *need* to be illuminated is wasted energy. Coverage
angles are increased either by mounting several LEDs at different
angles, or with suitable optics (usually diffuser/lens combination,
which increases the price).

As far as car running lights go, they are rubbish. Look at the angle of
view they disapear at on a Mercedes. It is very narrow.

This begs the question of 'why did car manufacturers change indicator
light covers from amber to clear and put an amber coated bulb in there,
that can't be seen in bright sunlight?'

The same goes for traffic lights. There is a traffic light controlled
roundabout near here and if you are in the R/H lane, you can not see the
colour of the light until the last minute, because of the angle the
lights are presented to the driver. (You can't see the stop lines until
the last minute either, because of the contour of the road.)

Dave