An RAC survey of 2,000 drivers has shed light on a common concern among motorists – the brightness of car headlights. The survey found that a staggering 89% of the participants believed that some car headlights on the road today are too bright, with 28% going as far as to say that most headlights are “excessively bright,” marking the highest proportion to date. Among drivers who expressed worry about headlight brightness, 91% reported experiencing glare, with 74% stating that it happened regularly. The impact of this glare was significant, with two-thirds of those affected admitting they needed to slow down significantly until their vision cleared, and 64% believing that overly bright headlights posed a risk of accidents.
Action is now being taken to address this issue. The Transport Research Foundation’s subsidiary, the TRL, has initiated research into headlight glare following input from the RAC. Practical trials have commenced to evaluate driver complaints of glare from oncoming vehicle headlights, particularly at night, with collaboration from the Department for Transport. The results from these trials are expected to contribute towards finding a solution to the problem. The project will also consider factors such as surrounding vehicles, weather conditions, and ambient lighting to gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances leading to high brightness levels and glare.
The RAC, in partnership with TRL, is equipping a vehicle with instruments to measure light levels encountered by drivers on UK roads from October 2024 to Spring 2025. Additionally, there will be a review of scientific literature and consultations with various stakeholders to ensure a thorough understanding of the issue, aiming to provide actionable recommendations for the Department for Transport to present in international working groups addressing the matter.
Rod Dennis, RAC’s road safety spokesman, highlighted the importance of addressing the glare issue experienced by many drivers nationwide. With a significant portion of the driving population struggling with dazzle, understanding the root causes and finding solutions will be crucial for improving road safety. The research aims to empower drivers to navigate roads safely, especially at night, and potentially reduce incidents related to headlight glare.
As efforts continue to tackle the problem of overly bright car headlights, motorists can expect developments aimed at enhancing driving conditions and reducing the risks associated with headlight glare. Stay updated with the latest developments by signing up for the Wales Matters newsletter to remain informed on this and other pressing issues affecting drivers.