More and more drivers are finding themselves dazzled by oncoming headlights on the road, according to a new study.

The research from British insurance company RAC finds that nearly nine in ten UK drivers believe the lights on some vehicles are now too bright.

Meanwhile, three in ten believe most vehicles' lights are too bright.

The rise of LED headlights, which have a “much more intense and focused beam,” was cited by the study as particularly annoying for road users.

The UK averages 280 crashes every year in which dazzling headlights are cited as a contributing factor – and the RAC is now urging the UK Government to carry out its own study on headlight safety.

Government solution

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said a “huge proportion” of people are now waiting for a government solution in the UK.

“We urgently need the Government to take a closer look at the issue,” he said.

“Ideally by commissioning an independent study to understand what’s causing an increase in reports of dazzling and, most importantly, what can do be done to keep drivers safe.”

Bright headlights of a car driving on a foggy winter road. Credit: Elena Elisseeva / Alamy Stock Photo

RACs research also found that 7% of drivers have given up night driving altogether because of headlight glare, a figure that rises to 14% for those aged 65 and older.

“Is it right we have such a high proportion of drivers who feel unsafe when they’re driving at night, with some having even given up night-time trips altogether?” added Mr Dennis.

Badly aligned headlights are also an issue, according to RAC, who said 1.6 million vehicles failed their MOT (the UK’s NCT) since 2019 as a result of poor headlight aim.

Two in three surveyed said they have been forced to slow down and wait for their vision to return after being dazzled by headlights.

Older people affected

The researcher behind the study Mike Bowen said older people are affected disproportionately by headlight glare.

“They are more likely to experience difficulties or to decide not to drive at night at all,” he said.

“We urge the Government to commission more technical and clinical research to have a better understanding of this issue and what should be done to ease the effects of dazzling headlights.”

The survey found some 91% of respondents get dazzled while driving, with 74% saying it happens to them regularly.

The results show one in ten drivers take over six seconds to recover from being dazzled – enough time for a car travelling 90km/h to cover 160 metres.

Main image: Car LED headlights at night. Credit: DedMityay / Alamy Stock Photo