[Tervuren]

The root cause of the new emergency lightbars being more distracting, is not limited to the "brightness of the light" so to speak, but instead, its also the size of the source. The new led light bars are extremely low profile, so are sold as a way to improve MPG of the cruisers using them. Because the light is coming from a smaller source, its more concentrated, and provides a greater contrast for the same light level on the ground around the car.

On top of that, yes, the colored lights are brighter, as instead of filtering white light for just the blue or red, its able to actually have a blue source of light.

And yes, I find them distracting as all get out, and difficult to keep within a lane. It may be different for the police officer - who is not looking at the source, but instead, has a much brighter wash of light to see by.