A groundbreaking study by the RAC has revealed that a quarter of UK drivers (25%) are driving less at night due to the increasing intensity of vehicle headlights, with 22% wishing they could do the same. The research, believed to be the most comprehensive of its kind, highlights the growing discomfort and safety concerns caused by headlight glare on the nation’s roads.
The findings show that 75% of those who drive less at night cite discomfort or difficulty caused by bright headlights as the primary reason, while 49% feel less safe. Alarmingly, 5% of drivers have stopped driving at night altogether.
The issue of headlight glare appears to be worsening, with 61% of affected drivers reporting that the problem has intensified in the past year. Nearly all drivers (97%) agree that vehicle headlights can be too bright, with 36% believing most headlights are excessively bright and 59% saying some are. Younger drivers under 35 are more likely to perceive headlights as too bright (41%), as are drivers of conventional hatchbacks, estates, and saloons (38%). Even among SUV drivers, 29% acknowledge the issue.
The impact of headlight glare extends beyond discomfort. Among those who still drive at night, 17% report feeling tired or fatigued due to bright lights, while 16% have experienced headaches, migraines, or eye pain. Nearly six in 10 (59%) say glare makes driving more difficult and uncomfortable, a figure that rises to 65% for drivers aged 65 to 74 and 67% for those aged 75 and over.
The problem is multifaceted, with factors such as headlight alignment, advancements in lighting technology (from halogen to bi-xenon and LED), and the growing popularity of higher-riding SUVs contributing to the issue. The RAC, alongside Baroness Hayter and The College of Optometrists, has successfully campaigned for government action, leading to a commissioned project to investigate the causes of headlight glare and potential solutions. The findings are expected by summer 2024.
The study also reveals the broader implications of headlight glare. Of the 97% of drivers affected, 79% struggle to see when vehicles are indicating, 77% find it difficult to judge the position of oncoming vehicles, and 74% have trouble assessing their speed. Additionally, 67% report challenges in judging the distance of approaching vehicles. These issues are particularly pronounced on unlit roads, where the contrast between darkness and bright lights exacerbates the problem.
Drivers of conventional vehicles are more likely (56%) to blame higher vehicles like SUVs for the issue, while SUV drivers are more inclined (65%) to believe no specific vehicle type is responsible. The colour of headlights also plays a role, with 72% of glare sufferers associating the problem with whiter-coloured lights (likely LEDs or bi-xenon), compared to just 3% who blame yellower-coloured halogen lights.
Rod Dennis, RAC senior policy officer, said: “Bright headlights are a growing concern for drivers, with many reducing or stopping night-time driving altogether. While brighter headlights offer safety benefits, the negative impact on other road users cannot be ignored. We hope our findings will inform industry and government efforts to address this issue.”
Baroness Dianne Hayter added: “This study provides clear evidence of the widespread problem of headlight glare. The government must take action to regulate the colour, intensity, and angle of headlights to protect road users.”
Denise Voon, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, emphasized the importance of addressing the issue: “Optometrists are increasingly hearing from patients about difficulties with night driving due to glare. While wearing prescribed glasses or contact lenses is essential, the industry must find solutions to reduce glare and improve safety for all drivers.”
Official government statistics show that dazzling headlights have been a contributory factor in an average of 280 collisions annually since 2013, with six fatalities each year. However, these figures likely underestimate the true scale of the problem, as they only include incidents where police officers confirmed headlight glare as a factor.
The RAC has published a comprehensive guide on its website to help drivers mitigate headlight glare and avoid dazzling others. As the government’s research project progresses, drivers and industry stakeholders alike await solutions to this increasingly pressing issue.
*For more information and tips on managing headlight glare, visit the RAC website.*
Explore the data using interactive charts:
Impact of headlight glare on people driving at night: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OxZLC/1/
Effect of glare on drivers: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xo10G/1/
Effect of glare on drivers’ experience on the road: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qmjur/1/
Do drivers believe certain type/s of vehicle are responsible for the dazzling they experience? https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4Fnhd/1/
