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UK Government launches review into car headlights that ‘dazzle’ drivers
It comes after several drivers’ complaints
The UK Government has announced it will be launching a review into the glare from some car headlights after complaints from drivers.
It follows a campaign led by the RAC after they held a survey which found that more than two thirds of drivers have been forced to slow down because they were dazzled by the strong beams on modern and newer vehicles.
The survey also found more than four out of five (85%) drivers affected by headlight glare believe the problem is getting worse, while 64% believe some headlights are so bright they risk causing accidents.
A petition has also been signed by more than 10,000 people who complained about the dangers of these brighter headlights.
The RAC believes the lights on newer vehicles are much brighter because of the use of LED rather than traditional halogen bulbs, and because of the rise in popularity of larger four-by-four and SUV vehicles – which sit much higher on the road and can shine into the mirrors of the vehicle in front.
These modern headlamps can improve the driver’s view but can cause problems for other road users, particularly those in smaller and lower sitting vehicles.
The Department for Transport said independent research would be commissioned to ‘better understand the root causes of driver glare and identify any further appropriate mitigations’.
About the upcoming review, RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said: “The fact the Government has listened to drivers’ concerns and heeded our calls to examine the complex issue of headlight glare in more detail marks a real turning point.
“The topic has undoubtedly struck a chord with motorists up and down the country, with many people contacting us directly to call for something to be done.
“Brighter headlights, while giving drivers a better view of the road ahead, are clearly causing other road users significant problems.”
Government figures show that since 2013 there have 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.
Mr Dennis continued: “We’re aware of regulatory changes being made at an international level that will hopefully make a difference in many years to come, but are concerned that these alone may not be enough to address headlight dazzle.
“There are also known shortcomings concerning the official road casualty data not accurately capturing the true number of incidents associated with headlight glare, so it’s absolutely right that the topic is investigated properly to understand what can be done to keep everyone safe.”
“We look forward to working with the Department of Transport to help ensure the study is as robust as possible and drivers’ voices are heard,” he added.
Baroness Hayter, who has also urged the Government to take action over headlights, said: “This is a victory for all those drivers affected by glare who’ve complained to their MP, signed the parliamentary petition, or indeed sought help from an optometrist only to discover the problem was with headlights, and not their eyes.
“This is an issue the RAC has long campaigned on and I am delighted the Government has recognised there is a real problem. We look forward to discussing its research in due course.”
The survey of 2,000 UK drivers was carried out by research company Online95 in December 2023.