► 25% of drivers cut back on night driving
► Rising complaints over headlight glare
► DfT study on glare results due by spring 2025
It’s a growing issue that’s proving more than just a nuisance – new research from the RAC reveals that 23% of UK drivers are cutting back on night-time driving due to the discomfort of blinding headlights.
The report highlights a sharp increase in complaints about headlight glare, with many motorists feeling the pain of overly bright oncoming lights as they struggle to maintain visibility and comfort during night drives.
The issue is hardly new, but its intensity appears to have grown over the past year. The RAC found that 61% of drivers believe the problem has worsened recently, with 75% of those reducing their night driving claiming glare is the main culprit.
The concerns are serious, not only affecting comfort but also safety – 49% of those affected by intense headlights say they now feel less secure behind the wheel, and 5% have completely avoided driving after dark.
Concerns over glare have been rising in the UK over recent years
This problem isn’t exclusive to older drivers, with 38% of over-74s are scaling back on their night-time driving, nearly a third (33%) of younger drivers under 35 are also opting out of night-time road trips due to the discomfort caused by overly bright headlights.
For many, it’s more than just a matter of irritation. Drivers cite the difficulty in judging the position, speed, and intentions of oncoming vehicles as their main concern, with the majority stating that excessive glare leaves them struggling to make out crucial details on the road.
According to data from the Department for Transport (DfT), an average of 280 accidents involving dazzling headlights have been recorded on UK roads each year since 2013. Of these incidents, six annually result in fatalities.
Rod Dennis, Senior Policy Officer at the RAC, commented: ‘Bright headlights have evolved from an annoying inconvenience to a genuine safety issue. It’s not just about the momentary flash of being blinded; it’s the difficulty in judging the position and speed of vehicles ahead.
‘It’s remarkable to see how many drivers are scaling back their nighttime driving as a result, underscoring the need for a balanced solution. While there are undoubtedly benefits to brighter headlights, it’s crucial that regulations are reviewed to address the concerns of drivers.’
The RAC points out that the increasing brightness of modern headlights can be attributed to the widespread use of bi-xenon and LED bulbs, replacing traditional halogen units.
These advanced headlights deliver a stronger beam that improves visibility for the driver but can also cause significant discomfort for other road users. Misaligned headlights and the rise in SUVs, which tend to sit higher on the road, further exacerbate the glare issue.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re among the drivers affected by dazzling headlights, you’re not alone. The Department for Transport (DfT) commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) to investigate the causes of headlight glare in October 2024, with findings expected by spring 2025. This research could lead to changes in vehicle lighting regulations, potentially improving your night-time driving experience.