More than four out of five (85%) drivers affected by headlight glare say the problem is getting worse, according to a survey commissioned by the RAC.
The organisation is urging the Government to fund an independent study into the issue, asserting that headlights on modern cars, which use LED bulbs instead of traditional halogen, create a more intense and focused beam. The RAC believes this improves a driver's view but can be detrimental to other road users.
The survey, conducted among 2,000 UK drivers, reveals that 89% of them believe some car headlights are too bright. Additionally, two-thirds (67%) of those affected by headlight glare state that being dazzled forces them to slow down considerably until visibility improves, while 64% believe some headlights are so bright that they risk causing accidents. Furthermore, one in seven (14%) drivers aged 65 and over stated that the issue is so severe they avoid driving at night.
Government figures indicate that since 2013, there has been an average of 280 collisions on Britain’s roads every year where dazzling headlights were a contributing factor, resulting in six fatalities annually.
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RAC spokesman Rod Dennis emphasised the need for government intervention, stating, “We urgently need the Government to take a closer look at the issue, ideally by commissioning an independent study to understand what’s causing an increase in reports of dazzling and, most importantly, what can be done to keep drivers safe."
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Drivers are increasingly telling us they are concerned by modern headlights and some are now even limiting the amount of time they spend driving during darkness to avoid glare. Being dazzled by a headlight has a worrying impact on road safety, and we need policymakers to take this matter seriously."
In response, a Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson mentioned, “We take safety on our roads extremely seriously, and last year we strengthened requirements for headlamps to reduce glare, following advice from an international expert group."
