Drivers take a dim view of headlight glare
New research from the RAC has revealed that the problem of headlight glare has got worse in the last 12 months.
It found that 63% of drivers admit they are dazzled by bright headlights, with 14% saying it happens regularly.
Of those affected, 33% say the issue makes them feel less safe when driving at night while 25% admit it makes them less confident behind the wheel. The same number say they drive less after dark because of headlight glare.
The research also found that 51% of drivers who get dazzled struggle to spot hazards or see road markings or signs, while 42% can’t confidently judge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles and 25% say they’ve been temporarily blinded.
Perennial problem
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Dazzle from headlights is now a perennial problem for drivers and it’s clearer than ever that they want to see something done. Drivers consistently tell us the height of vehicles, and the apparent colour of headlights are contributors to glare, so these are two areas we believe the government should consider in its next stage of research.
“Headlight glare is a complicated area and there’s sadly no simple fix that will eradicate it. But for the first time ever there is now a concerted effort to tackle it. We look forward to continuing work with the government and our campaign partners with the aim of reducing the problem of glare in the years ahead.”
Wake-up call
Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards, added: “It should be a real wake-up call that that headlight glare is now impacting confidence, comfort, and ability to spot hazards. Moreover, the fact that people are reducing their driving at night because they feel unsafe demonstrates it’s also becoming a mobility issue.
“We urgently need better education for drivers, clearer standards for vehicle lighting, and closer collaboration between government, manufacturers, regulators and road safety organisations to ensure we’re striking the balance between giving drivers the luminance they need while not adversely impacting on those outside of the vehicle.”
