As the clocks move back, a substantial number of drivers are expressing concern over the dazzling effect of other vehicles' headlights, according to recent research. The glare is a significant worry for one in four motorists affected, who are planning to reduce or even cease driving when the daylight hours diminish.
Research conducted by the RAC has revealed that four out of five drivers are concerned about how headlight glare will affect their driving as darkness descends earlier in the late afternoon. Furthermore, three-quarters of those impacted by glare believe the problem is intensifying.
Modern headlights, designed to improve road visibility for the driver, are causing difficulties for others in spotting hazards, road signs, and markings. They also make it harder to accurately judge the position, speed, and distance of oncoming vehicles, the RAC's findings indicate. A government-commissioned study last year corroborated that some of the brighter, modern headlights are indeed more prone to causing glare.
Among drivers who experience dazzle, half report that overly bright headlights impede their ability to see other road hazards. A similar proportion, 49 percent, find it challenging to see road signs and markings. Nearly half (47 percent) struggle to determine the position of oncoming vehicles, and 43 percent have difficulty judging their speed and distance. Alarmingly, a third of drivers report being temporarily blinded by bright headlights, and one in seven of those affected admit to having narrowly avoided a collision. Additionally, nearly two-thirds find it difficult to discern indicator lights on some oncoming vehicles due to strong headlights.
Behavioral Changes Due to Glare
The concern over headlight glare is leading to altered driving behaviors. Of those affected, 21 percent intend to drive less once the clocks change, a direct consequence of being dazzled. A further 3 percent are planning to stop driving at night altogether.
The impact of curtailed night driving on individuals' lives is considerable. Twenty-eight percent of drivers report seeing friends less often as a result, and 20 percent see family less. One-fifth also report feeling more isolated. In more severe cases, 6 percent have canceled or postponed medical appointments due to the difficulties they face driving in the dark.
Calls for Action
Drivers are urging that measures be taken to mitigate glare from both existing and future vehicles. The RAC survey of 1,208 drivers indicated that 75 percent believe future research should encompass both current and upcoming vehicle models, with only 14 percent suggesting research focus solely on vehicles not yet available for sale.
Following last year's independent study, further UK research is expected to commence shortly, building on a commitment made in January's Road Safety Strategy. International efforts are also underway to establish regulations for future vehicle headlights.
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at RAC, stated, "While nothing can stop the nights drawing in at this time of year, drivers continue to feel strongly that more can and should be being done to reduce the dazzle they experience." He added, "We welcomed the Government’s commitment to carry out further research into the problem, but drivers will only be satisfied when they know meaningful changes are coming that will tackle the problems they experience."