Headlights on the Road Deemed Too Bright by Majority of Road Users

Do you sometimes think that headlights are too bright? If so, you are not alone as a recent survey found that a whopping 89% of drivers think that some cars have headlights that are too bright. Of these 89%, 91% say that they get dazzled when driving, and 74% say this happens regularly. The RAC survey asked 2000 motorists about this issue, and the RAC is now calling on the Government to commission an independent study following the startling results.

Why is This?

Interestingly, 85% of those affected by the issue believe that it is getting worse. It is likely that the reason for this has been the switch to LED bulbs in recent years. While LED bulbs are more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run, they can also create a brighter light that affects the eyes differently than a traditional halogen bulb, which has more of a yellow tone. Of course, the brighter light can also benefit the driver of the car, so there are strong arguments for LED bulbs.

44% of those surveyed thought that the reason for dazzling is a result of badly aligned headlights. The DVSA stated in 2016 that “headlamp aim consistently tops the MOT compliance survey as one of the most likely items to be assessed incorrectly by testers”, so this could certainly be a contributing factor.

What are the Dangers?

This is a serious issue because it can put motorists and other road users at risk. Being dazzled by headlights can prevent motorists from being able to see temporarily, which could easily lead to a serious accident and/or swerving. It can also make driving much harder for those with eye conditions like astigmatism, which makes it hard to see from the glare. Using astigmatism contact lenses can help to reduce the effects of headlights for those with the condition.

What is Being Done

As established, the RAC is calling on the Government to commission an independent study, but there is also a petition for a review into the brightness of car headlights for safety that is gathering pace and could lead to legislation changes and regulations for car manufacturers.

What Happens if this Passes?

If there are new legislation changes and regulations, it could make the roads a lot safer for all. Companies like Audi have already developed and released Audi Matrix technology, which can detect other cars and prevent its headlights from dazzling them automatically.

Headlight glare is clearly a serious issue in the UK, with the overwhelming majority of motorists stating that car headlights are too bright. Being dazzled by headlights can be incredibly dangerous on the roads, so it is clear that actionneeds to be taken at the top to address this issue and create safer roads for all.