The Government has agreed to commission a study on headlight dazzle in response to an online petition. This decision follows RAC research indicating that drivers are increasingly reporting issues with headlight glare.
Since 2018, the RAC has been polling drivers about dazzling headlights. Recent survey results from 2,000 drivers reveal that 85% of them believe it is a common occurrence.
Furthermore, 89% of drivers think that some headlights are excessively bright, with 28% believing that most are too bright – the highest percentage on record.
Ninety-one percent of drivers who have complained about bright headlights claim to have been blinded while driving, with 74% stating that this happens frequently.
After a public petition and lobbying by the RAC, the Government stated: “Recognizing the need for more evidence on headlight glare, we plan to commission independent research soon.”
The Government highlighted that vehicle headlamps undergo testing to ensure they illuminate the road adequately without obstructing other drivers’ vision, in accordance with international standards.
In an effort to address the issue of headlight glare, the Department for Transport presented the matter to the United Nations international expert panel on vehicle lighting. As a result, regulations on headlamp aiming have been revised, making automatic headlamp leveling mandatory by 2027.
The DfT plans to conduct independent research to delve deeper into the causes of driver glare and find appropriate solutions.
RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis welcomed the Government’s decision to investigate headlight glare further. He emphasized the need to understand and mitigate the problems associated with brighter headlights.
Additionally, the RAC highlighted discrepancies in official road casualty data related to headlamp glare and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the DfT on the study.
Baroness Hayter praised the decision to launch an independent study, acknowledging the inconvenience experienced by drivers due to headlight glare. She expressed gratitude for the Government’s recognition of the issue and anticipation for the research outcomes.