A majority of motorists are expressing concern over the intensity of modern bright car lights, according to recent research. An RAC study involving 2,000 drivers revealed that 89% believe some headlights on a car are excessively bright, with 28% feeling this is true for most car headlights on the road.
Out of those troubled by car headlights too bright, 91% reported being dazzled while driving, and 74% claimed this is a frequent issue. As a result, the RAC is urging the government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this escalating problem, as 85% of the affected individuals feel the situation is deteriorating.
Many drivers impacted by glare admit to significant challenges. Approximately 67% slow down considerably to regain clear vision, while 64% are concerned about the potential accident risks posed by overly bright car lights. Indeed, 5% of these drivers have narrowly escaped collisions.
The issue is particularly acute among older drivers, with 14% of those aged 65 and above opting to avoid night car lights altogether due to glare. Regarding recovery time after being dazzled, 68% report taking one to five seconds to see clearly again, a duration in which a car moving at 60mph could travel the length of 40 cars.
The exact causes of this glare issue are not definitively identified, but 87% of those affected speculate that it is primarily due to certain lights appearing significantly brighter. This could be attributed to the growing use of LED headlights on a car, which produce a more intense and focused beam. While beneficial for the driver using them, these lights can negatively affect other motorists. Additionally, 44% believe the problem is due to poorly aligned headlights.
The trend of larger vehicles, such as SUVs, which sit higher off the ground, might also be exacerbating the problem for drivers in lower-set cars. Government data indicates an average of 280 annual collisions since 2013 involving dazzling headlights on a car, with around six fatalities each year. These figures might not fully capture the extent of the issue, as it's often challenging to determine if a collision was directly or indirectly caused by car headlights too bright.
The UK Highway Code provides specific guidance around the use of headlights on a car to prevent glare and keep all road users safe. These rules apply to all drivers and are especially important during darker months and poor weather conditions.
- Rule 114: You must not use any lights in a way that would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users. This includes oncoming drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders. Main beam headlights should be dipped when there is a risk of glare.
- Rule 115: At night, use dipped headlights on a car in built-up areas and when driving in dull daytime weather. You should dip your headlights when you’re overtaking or when another vehicle is approaching, to avoid dazzling the other driver. Main beams should only be used when there is no other traffic nearby.
Drivers also have a responsibility to keep their car headlights clean and properly aligned. Misaligned headlights on a car are a key cause of glare, and regular maintenance checks can reduce risk. For more detailed information, you can read the official GOV.UK Highway Code lighting rules here.
Dealing with glare from car headlights, especially while driving at night, can be challenging. Here are some tips to help mitigate the effects of night car lights and drive more safely:
- Adjust Your Mirrors: Properly adjust your rearview and side mirrors to minimize the glare from headlights behind you. The rearview mirror in most cars can be flipped to a night setting to reduce the glare while still allowing you to see vehicles behind you.
- Clean Your Windshield and Mirrors: Dirt, smudges, or streaks on your windshield or mirrors can worsen the glare. Regularly clean both the inside and outside of your windows and mirrors.
- Use the Right Eyewear: If you wear glasses, consider lenses with an anti-reflective coating. This can significantly reduce glare. Avoid tinted glasses at night, as they can reduce visibility.
- Adjust Your Driving Position: Sometimes, slightly adjusting your seat higher or lower can help avoid direct glare. Be sure you are still seated comfortably and can properly control the vehicle.
- Use Your Car's Visor: Your car's sun visor can be used at night to block out glare from tall vehicles or improperly aligned headlights.
- Dim Your Dashboard Lights: Reduce the brightness of your dashboard. This will help your eyes better adjust to the darkness outside, making it easier to deal with glare.
- Blink and Stay Hydrated: Glare can cause eye strain. Remember to blink often to keep your eyes moist. Staying hydrated also helps maintain eye health.
- Regular Eye Check-ups: Ensure your vision is not contributing to your sensitivity to glare. Regular eye exams are important for maintaining good night vision.
- Use Headlights Wisely: Use your car's headlights properly. Use high beams when necessary, but remember to dim them for oncoming traffic or when driving behind another vehicle.
If glare is causing significant discomfort or vision problems, it's best to avoid driving at night until you can find a solution that works for you. If the problem persists, consult an eye care professional.
New headlight technologies are being developed to reduce glare from bright car lights and improve safety:
- Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) systems adjust beam patterns in real time
- Matrix LED headlights light up the road without dazzling others
- Laser headlights provide high visibility with lower glare risk
- OLED lighting offers softer, more uniform illumination
All of these developments aim to improve visibility without contributing to the problem of car headlights too bright.
Glare from bright car lights can cause eye strain, temporary vision loss, and discomfort. For older drivers especially, this can lead to anxiety about night car lights and avoidance of night-time travel. Regular eye checks and anti-reflective lenses can help.
Ongoing research is looking into the long-term health effects of exposure to car headlights too bright, with a focus on updating lighting standards for better road safety.
Bright car headlights are a growing concern for UK drivers. Glare from modern headlights on a car can reduce visibility, increase crash risk, and make night car lights stressful to deal with. While technologies like matrix LEDs and Adaptive Driving Beams offer potential solutions, proper regulation and responsible use are also needed.
If you're affected by car headlights too bright, take steps to manage your visibility and consider discussing the issue with your optician.
For more information, why not check out our Road Safety Guides and Blogs? We also produce a range of weekly blogs on various topics, which can be found in the blog section of our website.
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