Headlight glare forcing drivers off the road – RAC
New research from the RAC has found that motorists are increasingly troubled by headlight glare with many driving less at night as a result.
It found that 25% drive less after dark now because of the dazzling issue, and a further 22% said they would if it was possible.
The findings revealed that 75% of those who drove less in the evenings because of bright headlights said the experience was ‘uncomfortable’ or ‘difficult’, with nearly half (49%) admitting they feel less safe on the roads because of glare.
Meanwhile, five per cent admitted they have stopped driving at night completely because of the issue.
The in-depth survey found that 36% of respondents said most headlights are too bright, with 56% saying some are, while 61% agreed that headlight glare has become worse in the last 12 months.
Issues caused by excessively bright headlights include finding it difficult to tell when vehicles are indicating (79%), challenges judging an oncoming vehicle’s position on the road (77%), and an inability to gauge the speed of other cars (74%).
Headlight glare one of main driver concerns
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “With the exception of potholes, few motoring topics seem to rouse as much interest among the nation’s drivers right now as bright headlights. It’s undisputable that public concern is increasing, but the reasons for glare and what can be done to reduce it aren’t nearly as clear. That’s why we’re pleased the government heeded the calls of the RAC and our partner organisations on this issue and commissioned an independent project to look into it. We’re aware other European countries are now taking the matter seriously, too.
“What has gone from a mere frustration is now having a profound impact on people – whether that’s momentarily being blinded while driving or struggling to judge the speed or position of a vehicle ahead. The fact such a high proportion of people are also driving less at night – or wish they could – is remarkable and demonstrates the need for glare to be tackled. This does, however, need to be balanced with the potential road safety benefits afforded to people driving vehicles with brighter headlights.
“We hope our findings prove to be valuable to both industry and government in understanding the effects dazzling headlights are having on drivers.”
