Dazzling headlights are becoming such a problem that a quarter of drivers are now avoiding taking to the roads at night, a new study by the RAC claims.
Findings from what is believed to be the most in-depth research into motorists’ views on headlight glare reveals that three-quarters (75%) of those who drive less do so because intense headlights make the experience uncomfortable or more difficult. One-in-20 drivers (5%) said they have now stopped driving at night altogether.
What’s more, six-in-10 UK drivers (61%) who suffer from headlight glare say the problem has worsened in just 12 months.
Motorists who still drive at night said bright headlights were leaving them feeling tired and fatigued while driving, while 16% said they’ve suffered with headaches, migraines and/or eye pain.
Following a campaign led by the RAC, Baroness Hayter, The College of Optometrists and others, the Government has commissioned a project looking at the conditions most likely to lead to headlight glare, and to see what can be done to address them. The project is due to report by the summer.
Official government statistics show that since 2013, there has been an average of 280 collisions a year where dazzling headlights were a contributory factor. Of these, six a year involved someone losing their life. However, this only includes those collisions where a police officer attending can be sure that headlight dazzle was a factor.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “With the exception of potholes, few motoring topics seem to rouse as much interest among the nation’s drivers right now as bright headlights.
“It’s undisputable that public concern is increasing, but the reasons for glare and what can be done to reduce it aren’t nearly as clear. That’s why we’re pleased the Government heeded the calls of the RAC and our partner organisations on this issue and commissioned an independent project to look into it. We’re aware other European countries are now taking the matter seriously, too.
“What has gone from a mere frustration is now having a profound impact on people – whether that’s momentarily being blinded while driving or struggling to judge the speed or position of a vehicle ahead. The fact such a high proportion of people are also driving less at night – or wish they could – is remarkable and demonstrates the need for glare to be tackled.”
Baroness Dianne Hayter said: “As this detailed study shows, virtually every driver experiences the problem of over-bright headlights, and many find the dazzle sufficiently problematic to stop or reduce their driving at night, with real social and other costs. The RAC has produced the evidence, now the Government needs to take action – whether on the colour, intensity or angle of these glaring lights.”
