A new study commissioned by the UK Department for Transport has brought the blinding issue of bright car headlights into sharp focus. Researchers at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) found compelling evidence that modern headlights especially those with LED and whiter light create significant glare that dazzles and distracts drivers.
The study combined both scientific on-road measurements and a national driver survey, revealing that 97 percent of participants regularly or sometimes experienced distraction from opposing headlights. A third have even reduced or stopped night driving because of the discomfort and risk posed by this glare.
SUVs and taller vehicles compound the problem by having headlights angled exactly at the eye level of drivers in smaller cars, packing more punch and increasing dazzle. Alertness, hazard recognition, and depth perception all take a hit with excessive headlight brightness, raising real safety concerns.
The government’s upcoming Road Safety Strategy will address these findings with plans to review and tighten vehicle lighting regulations. Meanwhile, agencies are cracking down on illegal bulbs and poorly aligned headlights, with offenders facing fines up to £1,000.
While brighter headlights improve visibility for some, the study emphasizes the need for balance protecting drivers from glare without losing the safety benefits of modern lighting. This research is a step toward making dark roads safer and less blinding.