As the clocks go back, the darker evenings bring with them more than just gloomy moods and a drop in Vitamin D — they also mark the return of one of motorists’ biggest fears: being dazzled by oncoming headlights.
New research from the RAC has revealed that four in five drivers are worried about glare from vehicle headlights as daylight hours shorten. Out of the 1,701 UK drivers surveyed, 38 per cent admitted to feeling nervous about driving in the dark — and of those, three quarters blamed overly bright headlights for their anxiety.
The RAC has long been campaigning, alongside The College of Optometrists, IAM RoadSmart, and Baroness Hayter, for an investigation into the growing problem of headlight glare. Their efforts prompted the Government to commission independent research by TRL, with the findings set to be published imminently.
Adding further weight to the issue, Peter Lamb, MP for Crawley, will tomorrow (29 October) lead a Westminster Hall debate on headlight glare, with a Government Minister responding.
While “the glare of headlights is the main worry for motorists now the clocks have gone back,” it’s far from the only one. According to the RAC’s findings:
63% of drivers are anxious because “it’s harder to spot hazards in the dark.”
41% say they struggle to judge the speed of other vehicles.
A third find it difficult to gauge distances at night.
A quarter admit to “feeling less confident driving after dark in general.”
Earlier this year, RAC’s detailed research exposed just how much bright headlights are putting drivers off getting behind the wheel. The study found that one in four drivers who find headlights too bright are driving less frequently because of the discomfort, while 22% said they’d “rather not drive at night at all but have no other choice.”
Among those who have cut back on night-time driving:
75% said intense headlights make driving uncomfortable or difficult.
49% admitted they feel less safe on the road.
1 in 20 drivers have stopped driving at night completely.
The RAC’s latest findings are believed to be the most comprehensive research yet into how dazzling headlights are affecting motorists — and they paint a clear picture: as the nights draw in, drivers are being quite literally blinded by the problem.
Are headlights on cars getting brighter?
Yes — and that’s part of the problem. Over the past decade, LED headlights have replaced traditional halogen bulbs as the standard choice for most manufacturers. LEDs emit a much brighter, whiter light, improving visibility for the driver — but that same light can be dazzling for oncoming traffic.
The human eye reacts differently to the “blue light” produced by LEDs compared with the “yellow light” from older halogens, making glare more intense and recovery slower.
Adding to the issue is the rise of SUVs and higher-riding vehicles, whose headlights sit higher off the ground than those on traditional hatchbacks or saloons. This means their beams can shine directly into the line of sight of oncoming drivers.
Alignment is another major factor. Many cars fail the NCT test due to incorrect headlight aim. If headlights are aligned too high, they dazzle; if too low, they’re ineffective.
What are the advantages of LED headlights?
Despite the drawbacks, LEDs have clear benefits:
They offer brighter, more precise illumination of the road ahead.
They are more energy efficient than halogens.
They have a longer lifespan.
Their compact design allows carmakers to create more innovative and distinctive lighting designs.
Are brighter headlights causing problems on our roads?
Unfortunately, yes. Between 2013 and 2022, bright or dazzling headlights were listed as a contributory factor in around six fatal collisions a year and approximately 280 total collisions, according to RAC research.
So, while modern lighting technology has made cars more advanced and efficient, it’s also clear that for many drivers, seeing the road clearly now comes at the cost of being seen too brightly by others.
