An optometrist has issued advice for drivers who struggle with 'headlight glare', or bright headlights, at night. According to the RAC, the problem of dazzling headlights could be getting worse for many motorists, with research finding that as many as six-in-ten drivers think it has worsened.
If people find headlights too bright, it can cause discomfort or affect confidence, leading some to stop driving after dark. The RAC says deadlight glare could be caused by a number of factors, including newer lighting technologies. Investigations into the problem are ongoing.
The Department for Transport's Road Safety Strategy outlines the government's plan to 'undertake further research aimed at identifying what vehicle design factors may be responsible for increased headlamp glare'. However, drivers can also take steps to help protect their eyesight while on the road.
The RAC has been working closely with the College of Optometrists to raise awareness about some of these actionable tips, sharing informative social media videos for customers. In one recent video, the motoring company spoke to Denise Voon, a spokesperson for the College of Optometrists and specialist optometrist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
In the Facebook post, Denise told viewers: "So as an optometrist, what advice will I give you if you're experiencing headlight glare? Well, firstly, make sure your glasses and your windscreen are nice and clean. Any smudges or dirt can make the appearance of headlight glare a lot worse."
She continued: "Secondly, if you're faced with an oncoming headlight, make sure you don't look directly at it, but ensure that you keep your eyes open. With your rearview mirror, if it's not auto-dimming, try to adjust it so you're not affected by headlights in the cars behind you.
"Also, make sure that you see your optometrist regularly, around every two years for a regular eye test. This is to make sure you're seeing as well as you can do, but also to make sure your eyes are nice and healthy. And lastly, if your optometrist has recommended glasses or contact lenses for driving, make sure you wear them."
More information about headlight glare is also available on the RAC website. It offers guidance developed by the College of Optometrists.
"Keep your windscreen clean and smudge-free to reduce the impact of glare. If you wear glasses, ensure they’re clean and smudge-free too. Stay up to date with sight tests with your local optometrist to ensure your glasses help you see as well as possible when driving and your eyes are healthy.
When presented with bright oncoming headlights, keep your eyes open and briefly look to the curb or side of the road until you can see clearly again. This will keep you safe and help minimise the discomfort of glare.
Finally, be considerate when driving and dip your headlights when required. If you have automatically dimming headlamps, remember they don’t always pick up oncoming cars, cyclists and pedestrians, so know how to dip them manually."
