Motoring organisations are urging the government to take action over dazzling headlights which they say are causing a “danger for oncoming drivers” and increasing the risk of accidents.
The RAC called for an independent study into the issue after its own survey showed more than four out of five (85%) drivers affected by headlight glare said the problem is getting worse.
The company believes headlights appear brighter on modern cars because their use of LED rather than traditional halogen bulbs creates a more intense and focused beam.
The LED improves a driver’s view but can be to the detriment of other road users.
Other potential factors include badly aligned headlights and the increase in the number of cars sitting higher on the road, such as SUVs.
The survey of 2,000 UK drivers suggested 89% think some car headlights are too bright.
Some 64% believe headlights are so bright they risk causing accidents – with a number of older motorists telling the survey they avoid driving at night due to the issue.
Government figures show since 2013 there has been an average of 280 collisions on Britain’s roads every year where dazzling headlights were a contributory factor.
Of these, six a year involved someone losing their life.
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The RAC has raised the issue of headlight glare with the Department For Transport (DfT) and has been working with Labour peer Baroness Hayter to seek action.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Our figures suggest drivers are more concerned than ever about headlight glare, with a huge proportion wanting to see something done about it.”
Baroness Hayter said: “The RAC has demonstrated that some car headlights can dazzle, causing a danger for oncoming drivers. We know drivers in other countries share this concern.”
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, said modern headlights are causing drivers to limit the time spent driving “during darkness to avoid glare”.
A DfT spokesperson said: “We take safety on our roads extremely seriously and last year we strengthened requirements for headlamps to reduce glare, following advice from an international expert group.
“All headlights must adhere to strict technical standards in order for vehicles to be approved for our roads.”
