UK drivers may soon experience a major shift in driving conditions due to possible law changes around "dazzling" headlights. The government is set to reveal the outcomes of a study investigating LEDs and road safety this summer.
Following a survey from late 2023 that indicated a huge percentage of UK motorists have raised concerns about the high intensity of modern car headlights, the research aims to delve into the factors causing headlight glare and explore ways to reduce its blinding impact on drivers. Former roads minister Lilian Greenwood had previously acknowledged the ongoing study, noting it was "due to deliver in summer 2025" which aligns with a current update on the UK Parliament website.
Lilian Greenwood said: "All types of road vehicle headlamps are designed, tested, and approved to internationally recognised standards to help prevent undue glare and ensure safety on a broad range of roads and environments. However, noting increased public concern about headlamp glare, Government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes and develop potential countermeasures.", reports Lancs Live.
The issue has also gained traction with the United Nations international body focusing on vehicle lighting and additional measures are expected to be taken by September 2027. A spokesperson for the Department for Transport (DfT) stated that this separate analysis will be important in pinpointing the primary causes of driver glare issues and creating "appropriate mitigations".
An RAC study from December 2023 showed that an overwhelming 85% of drivers think the problem of blinding headlights is getting worse. The survey, which canvassed 2,000 motorists, found that 89% think at least some car headlights are "too bright", with 28% believing "most are".
Among those disturbed by intense headlights, a startling 91 % claimed they felt "dazzled" while driving, with 74% experiencing it "regularly". In addition, 64% expressed concerns that bright headlights could result in crashes.
Five per cent of these participants revealed near misses due to headlight glare. While 7% claimed the glare was so intense they shunned driving at night, and this number climbs to 14% among drivers aged 65 or older.
The Department for Transport keeps a log of incidents where police have reported "dazzling headlights" as a factor in road accidents. The figures show that the year 2013 saw the highest number of accidents related to this issue at 369, while the numbers plunged to their lowest in 2020 with just 196, likely influenced by the Covid measures.
LED (light emitting diode) headlights are significantly brighter than traditional halogen bulbs. The issue is worsened if the headlights are not properly aligned, and with the increasing popularity of taller vehicles like SUVs, which can direct the light beam straight into the eyes of drivers in smaller cars.