Research into headlight glare is being launched by the government in response to concerns about drivers being dazzled. The Department for Transport (DfT) said independent research will be commissioned to understand the root causes of driver glare and identify appropriate mitigations. The RAC, which campaigned on the issue, stated that the study will be a “golden opportunity” to get to the bottom of the problem. A recent survey commissioned by the RAC found that more than four out of five drivers affected by headlight glare believe the problem is worsening. Additionally, 89% think that some car headlights are too bright. The use of LED bulbs in modern cars, as well as other factors like badly aligned headlights and the rise of SUVs, may contribute to the increased glare. The RAC welcomed the government’s decision to investigate headlight glare in detail as it has been a major concern for many motorists.
The survey of 2,000 UK drivers, conducted in December 2023, found that headlight glare has been a significant issue on the roads. Two-thirds of the drivers affected by glare stated that being dazzled forces them to slow down considerably, while 64% believe that some headlights are so bright that they pose a risk of causing accidents. The increase in the number of cars with brighter headlights, mainly due to the use of LED bulbs instead of traditional halogen ones, has led to a rising concern among road users. The RAC emphasized the need to balance providing a better view for drivers with the safety of other road users who may be affected by the glare. The government’s decision to commission independent research into this issue is seen as a positive step towards addressing the concerns raised by drivers affected by headlight glare.
The government’s response to a petition with over 10,000 signatures, urging ministers to launch a review to find solutions to headlight glare, has been met with approval. The DfT believes that international rules mandating new cars to have automatic headlight leveling based on the weight being carried will help alleviate cases of dazzling headlights. However, since 2013, an average of 280 collisions on UK roads each year have been attributed to dazzling headlights, with six of these incidents resulting in fatalities annually. The RAC expressed concerns about the accuracy of road casualty data in capturing incidents related to headlight glare, highlighting the importance of the upcoming study to ensure the safety of road users. The RAC looks forward to collaborating with the Department of Transport in conducting a robust investigation into headlight glare.
Baroness Hayter, who urged the government to take action over headlights, described the decision to launch research into headlight glare as a victory for affected drivers. She noted that many drivers had complained about glare to their MPs, signed petitions, or sought help from optometrists, only to find out that the issue was caused by headlights. This recognition of the problem by the government is seen as a significant step towards addressing the concerns raised by drivers. The RAC, along with other stakeholders, looks forward to engaging with the research findings to better understand and mitigate the effects of headlight glare on road safety.
The government’s decision to investigate headlight glare in detail is expected to provide valuable insights into the root causes of the issue and recommend appropriate solutions. The study will focus on understanding why some car headlights are too bright and how this affects drivers on the road. With the rise of LED headlights in modern cars and other contributing factors like poorly aligned headlights and SUVs, the investigation aims to ensure a balance between improved visibility for drivers and the safety of other road users. The upcoming research commissioned by the DfT signals a turning point in addressing headlight glare as a significant concern for motorists, and the collaboration between the government, the RAC, and other stakeholders is crucial in finding effective solutions to enhance road safety.
Overall, the decision to commission independent research into headlight glare is seen as a positive step towards addressing the concerns of drivers affected by dazzling headlights. The government’s response to a petition with over 10,000 signatures and the RAC’s advocacy on the issue have led to this important investigation. With the aim of understanding the root causes of headlight glare and identifying appropriate mitigations, the upcoming study is expected to shed light on a complex issue that has been affecting road safety. By working together with stakeholders and experts, the government aims to find solutions to the problem of headlight glare and enhance the safety of all road users.
