Eli5 Why are most street lights and car lights orangish yellow and not white?

Question

Eli5 Why are most street lights and car lights orangish yellow and not white?

In: Technology

Answer 1

It’s a coincidence that Street Lights and car lights have similar colors. Street lights are the color of whatever technology is best(cheapest) at the time. In the 70’s it was White/Blue from the mercury vapor lights. I can still remember the complaints about the new orange lights, and having to wear sunglasses to drive down main street at at night.