Government to Review ‘Blinding’ LED Headlights After 80% of Drivers Report Dazzling
The UK government has launched a review of blinding LED headlights following research showing four in five drivers fear being dazzled by them at night. The assessment will examine causes and solutions for glaring LED lamps, which have become increasingly common in new vehicles and make driving in the dark hazardous.
Key Takeaways
- 80% of drivers concerned about LED headlight glare
- Government launching independent review and Road Safety Strategy measures
- 25% of affected drivers are driving less due to bright headlights
- LED lights and SUV height identified as primary causes
Widespread Driver Concerns
An RAC survey of 1,701 UK motorists found steering into bright headlights is now the primary reason drivers feel nervous about darker evenings. The Department for Transport confirmed fresh measures will be included in the upcoming Road Safety Strategy, with research commissioned into vehicle design’s role in causing glare.
A DfT spokesperson stated: ‘We know headlight glare is frustrating for many drivers, especially as the evenings get darker.’
Real Impact on Driving Habits
Concerningly, one-in-four drivers who find headlights too bright are driving less as a result, while 22% wish they could avoid night driving but have no alternative. In a survey of 2,000 drivers, 75% of those driving less cited discomfort from intense headlights, and 49% said they feel less safe. One-in-20 drivers have stopped night driving altogether.
Drivers Ruth Goldsworthy and Sally Burt reported difficulty attending weekly choir meetings in Totton, Hampshire due to bright headlights. ‘Some of the lights are so bright you are blinded by them, for seconds,’ Ms Goldsworthy said.
Government Action and Research
The RAC has campaigned for years alongside The College of Optometrists, IAM RoadSmart and Baroness Hayter for headlight glare investigation. This led to government-commissioned independent research by TRL, due for imminent publication. MP Peter Lamb will also hold a Westminster Hall debate on headlight glare.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis commented: ‘Unfortunately, for a lot of drivers the annual onset of darker evenings coincides with another unwelcome arrival – that of overly bright headlights that they believe make driving more difficult due to dazzle and discomfort.’
What’s Causing the Glare Problem?
Headlight glare stems from multiple factors including headlight alignment, new LED lights, and vehicle height. New LED lights are the most common cause, with 73% of glare sufferers identifying whiter-colored headlights as the primary issue.
The rise of SUVs has exacerbated the problem, as higher-mounted headlights blind drivers of conventional vehicles. The RAC found 38% of hatchback, estate and saloon drivers find headlights too bright compared to 29% of SUV drivers.
Expert Recommendations to Reduce Glare
IAM RoadSmart Advises:
- Check headlight aim and ensure lenses are clean
- Replace faulty bulbs promptly and carefully
- Adjust speed and increase stopping distances during darker hours
The College of Optometrists Recommends:
- Always wear prescribed glasses or contact lenses for driving
- Consult your optometrist if experiencing vision issues while driving
Denise Voon, clinical advisor at The College of Optometrists, welcomed the government’s report: ‘Patients are telling us more frequently that headlight glare from oncoming vehicles is affecting their ability to see clearly while driving, particularly with brighter LED headlamps and larger SUV-type vehicles becoming more common.’
