Motorists are struggling to see the road ahead due to bright headlights this autumn and winter and officials are understood to be considering rule changes. A new study from the RAC has discovered more than four out of five drivers admit they are more concerned about being dazzled by car headlights since the clocks have gone back.
The darker afternoons and earlier evenings are a worry for 82% of 1,701 motorists polled, who revealed they were worried about being blinded while behind the wheel. A Government-commissioned report into headlight glare by consultancy group TRL is expected to be published soon which could make suggestions over possible changes. The Department for Transport has confirmed that the report will “inform new measures in the upcoming Road Safety Strategy”.
Meanwhile, a Westminster Hall debate on the topic is scheduled to be held on Wednesday. The RAC has explained that it believes headlights appear brighter on modern cars because of the bi-xenon or LED bulbs.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “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. The fact headlight glare is the leading cause of nervousness from driving at night underlines it’s a problem that needs tackling.
“At the same time, it’s important to remember that brighter headlights can give drivers a better view of the road ahead – so there’s a balance to be struck.”
These tend to create a more intense beam when compared to traditional halogen bulbs. This brighter light will improve a driver’s view of the road ahead but it could backfire and impact other road users.
The RAC also warned that badly aligned headlights and the number of SUVs, whose headlights sit at a higher angle, was having an impact on the roads.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We know headlight glare is frustrating for many drivers, especially as the evenings get darker. That’s why we commissioned independent research to better understand the causes and impact of glare, which will inform new measures in the upcoming Road Safety Strategy.
“Alongside this, DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) has stepped up surveillance to intercept the sale of illegal retrofit headlamp bulbs for on-road use, and anyone caught could face a fine of up to £1,000.”