We’ve all noticed it, but now research has confirmed it ... headlight dazzle is getting worse, and it is putting drivers off driving at night.
The RAC survey has found that more than half (57%) of drivers reported that the problem is worse this winter, with only 31% disagreeing. The research also found that almost two-thirds (63%) of drivers say they are subjected to dazzle from vehicles behind that they can’t avoid, of which 14% say it happens regularly.
33% of those affected by dazzle feel less safe when driving at night while 25% say it knocks their confidence behind the wheel. A quarter of respondents (25%) who find headlights too bright are either driving less at night or have given up altogether.
Of those who are now driving less at night as a result of headlight glare, four-in-five (78%) say it was because they found driving more difficult or uncomfortable.
Almost half (45%) of motorists now drive less at night because it makes them feel unsafe behind the wheel. 58% say their social life has been impacted while 15% find it harder to attend important events like healthcare appointments as they struggle to drive in the dark.
“Dazzle from headlights is now a perennial problem for drivers and it’s clearer than ever that they want to see something done”, said RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis.
“For some it’s just a mild annoyance but for others it’s tangibly affecting their lives as drivers – from feeling less safe or confident behind the wheel to avoiding nighttime journeys altogether, even if that means missing appointments or opportunities to spend time with friends and family,” said Dennis.
Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards, said: “It should be a real wake-up call that that headlight glare is now impacting confidence, comfort, and ability to spot hazards.
“Moreover, the fact that people are reducing their driving at night because they feel unsafe demonstrates it’s also becoming a mobility issue.”
“We urgently need better education for drivers, clearer standards for vehicle lighting, and closer collaboration between Government, manufacturers, regulators and road safety organisations to ensure we’re striking the balance between giving drivers the luminance they need while not adversely impacting on those outside of the vehicle.”
