Bright Headlights Blinding UK Drivers – RAC Demands Action
The RAC is sounding the alarm on blinding headlight glare that’s putting drivers at risk. Fresh research shows a whopping 85% of those affected believe the problem is getting worse. Now, the RAC wants the Government to launch an independent study to get to the bottom of it.
Survey Shocker: Nearly 9 in 10 Drivers Slam Modern Headlights as Too Bright
In a new RAC survey of 2,000 UK drivers:
- 89% say some modern headlights are ridiculously bright.
- 28% reckon most headlights are blinding – a new record high.
- 91% who find headlights dazzling get regularly blinded.
- 74% say it happens frequently when driving.
It’s not just an annoyance – two-thirds (67%) of those dazzled slam on the brakes until their vision clears. Almost two-thirds (64%) warn these headlights are a genuine crash risk. Alarmingly, 5% say they’ve nearly crashed because of the glare.
Night Driving Nightmare and Why SUVs May Be to Blame
Glare has some drivers ditching night shifts altogether. Nearly 1 in 10 (7%) avoid night driving, with that figure doubling to 14% for over-65s.
Why the rise in blinding glare? The switch to LED headlights is a major factor – these produce a harsher, laser-like beam compared to old-school halogen bulbs. But it’s not just brightness:
- 44% blame poorly aligned headlights.
- DVSA data reveals 1.6 million vehicles failed MOTs for headlight alignment issues since 2019.
- 62% of drivers blame taller vehicles like SUVs for dazzling, compared to just 35% of SUV owners.
Calls for Government to Act as Crash Data Highlights Danger
More than 8 in 10 drivers (81%) demand action to tackle headlight glare – especially 45-to-54-year-olds, where support jumps to 87%.
Government collision stats reveal an average of 280 crashes a year involve dazzling headlights, leading to six deaths annually. And experts warn these figures could be the tip of the iceberg.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said, “We urgently need the Government to take a closer look at the issue, ideally by commissioning an independent study to understand what’s causing an increase in reports of dazzling and, most importantly, what can be done to keep drivers safe.”
Mike Bowen of the College of Optometrists echoed the call, highlighting the need to understand how glare impacts especially older drivers.
Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town urged authorities to enforce Highway Code rules that forbid using lights in a way that dazzles other road users.
IAM RoadSmart’s Nicholas Lyes added, “Modern headlights are a growing worry for drivers, and policy-makers must treat this seriously.”
How to Stay Safe from Headlight Glare
While the RAC pushes for government action, it advises drivers to:
- Use rear-view mirrors wisely to adjust to glare.
- Visit optometrists for solutions to reduce glare impact.
With blinding headlights on the rise, the message is clear: Government must act fast, or UK roads could get even more dangerous after dark.
