The RAC is urging the UK Government to conduct an independent study on headlight glare, as recent research reveals that 85% of those affected believe the problem is worsening.
A survey of 2,000 drivers conducted by the RAC found that 89% of respondents think some car headlights are too bright, with 28% believing that most are excessively bright – the highest proportion recorded.
Of those who complain about headlight brightness, 91% experience dazzlement, with 74% reporting it as a frequent occurrence.
The effects of glare on private and motor trade drivers are significant, with two-thirds (67%) stating they must considerably slow down until visibility is restored and 64% expressing concern that overly bright headlights could lead to accidents and costly insurance policy claims.
Alarmingly, 5% of affected drivers claim they have almost been involved in a collision due to headlight glare. Furthermore, 7% find the glare so troublesome that they avoid driving at night altogether, a figure that rises to 14% among drivers aged 65 and over.
The RAC has been monitoring this issue since 2018, and the latest findings indicate a surge in the number of drivers affected, with 85% believing the problem is escalating.
As part of the study, drivers estimated the time it takes to regain clear vision after being dazzled by headlights. While 68% claimed it takes between one and five seconds, an alarming 11% stated it takes six seconds or more, enough for a car travelling at 60 mph to cover 160 meters – equivalent to 40 car lengths.
The reasons for perceived headlight glare are not entirely clear, but 87% of affected drivers attribute it to some lights appearing much brighter. This could be linked to the growing use of LED headlights emitting a more intense and focused beam. Despite benefiting the driver’s visibility, these lights can pose challenges for other road users.
Furthermore, 44% of drivers believe poorly aligned headlights contribute to the issue. A Freedom of Information request revealed that, since 2019, an average of 1.6 million (5%) of Class 4 vehicles, including passenger cars, failed MOTs due to poor headlight aim. If this affects you, consult a professional motor mechanic or MOT technician. The RAC has presented its research to the Department for Transport and is collaborating with Baroness Hayter to address drivers’ concerns. The organisation will meet with the government this month to discuss potential solutions.
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Baroness Hayter, the long-term consumer champion, will meet the Department of Transport’s Lords Minister on 16th January to present the case, said: “The RAC has demonstrated that some car headlights can dazzle, causing danger for oncoming drivers. We know drivers in other countries share this concern. So, the government should take action now to be on the side of road safety and ensure everyone keeps to the Highway Code, which states drivers ‘must not use any lights in a way which would dazzle other road users.”
Addressing Glare – What to Do When Dazzled by Headlights:
- Ensure proper use of your rear-view mirror, especially at night.
- Consider vehicles with self-dimming rear-view mirrors to reduce glare from behind.
- When changing your car, look for models equipped with self-dimming mirrors.
- Manually adjust mirrors in the dark to minimise glare.
- Engage with your optometrist to discuss issues related to glare.
- If you wear glasses, explore glare-minimizing coatings, a solution benefiting 25% of affected drivers.
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards, Nicholas Lyes, said: “Drivers are increasingly telling us they are concerned by modern headlights, and some are now even limiting the time they drive during darkness to avoid glare. Being dazzled by a headlight worries road safety, and we need policymakers to take this matter seriously.”
