Drivers travelling at night or in the early evening have been issued a major warning over a serious safety issue.
Motorists driving at night or in the early evening have been issued an urgent warning with major concerns over car headlights on petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid vehicles. Denise Voon, clinical advisor at The College of Optometrists, explained that drivers were “increasingly struggling with headlight glare”, with many opting to stay off the roads altogether.
Experts have warned that brighter modern headlights fitted to much higher models, such as SUVs, can cause the most damage and dazzle fellow road users. Dazzle is a serious issue, causing a temporary blinding effect due to the intense brightness of the light. This is likely to impair a driver’s overall vision of the road, which could be considered a serious safety hazard.
Car headlight dazzle is a serious concern for road users (Image: Getty)
Denise explained: “Drivers are increasingly struggling with glare from modern headlights, and many are now choosing to avoid driving in the evening and night altogether.
“We look to the DfT to take immediate, actionable steps to support drivers and commission more detailed research, specifically into how headlight regulations need to change, to reduce the impact of disability glare when driving at night.
Earlier this month, motoring experts at TRL published a report looking into vehicle lighting and headlight glare. The study found there was significant public concern, with several drivers reporting that they have reduced their time on the roads or stopped driving at night altogether due to headlamp brightness.
The report also concluded that motorists tend to perceive modern vehicle headlights as “too bright”. The study highlighted that whiter lights and those fitted to taller vehicles, such as SUVs, were often cited as being more problematic.
TRL concluded that it was crucial to update vehicle lighting standards to better reflect real-world conditions. They also called for experts to run a series of public information campaigns to help drivers better understand the possible risks associated with glare.
RAC senior policy officer, Rod Dennis, previously said: “While drivers clearly benefit from high-performing headlights, it’s important this doesn’t lead to others suffering the effects of dazzle, so a balance needs to be struck.
“We don’t yet have all the answers, but this report undoubtedly helps moves us towards tackling the complex problem of glare from vehicle headlights.”
