New car headlight rules to stop drivers being 'dazzled' at the wheel

According to the AA, 75 per cent of drivers have been left struggling after being dazzled by strong headlights.

Drivers being ‘overwhelmed’ by bright headlights have issued urgent demands for law changes to protect motorists. According to the AA, 75 per cent of drivers have been left struggling after being dazzled by strong headlights.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said: “U2 sung about ‘The City of Blinding Lights’, and for some drivers, they experience this feeling when they get behind the wheel. Being dazzled by headlights is something most drivers experience, but it seems that many drivers are now overwhelmed with bright lights.”

Cousens added: “Whether you are sat in a jam or in the flow of traffic, there’s a strong chance someone near you is in some discomfort with drivers struggling with bright brake and traffic lights. The effects and impact of LEDs across our road network, be it from vehicles or infrastructure, needs to be investigated by the Department for Transport and its agencies with recommendations made to protect road users.”

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Mike Bowen, Director of Knowledge and Research at the College of Optometrists, said: “The results from this research by the RAC are helpful to inform our understanding of how changes in vehicle headlight technologies may be affecting both the functional vision of young and older drivers, and their visual comfort, when driving at night. Older drivers are likely to be disproportionately affected by headlight glare, so may be more likely to experience difficulties or to decide not to drive at night at all.

“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.”

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Drivers are increasingly telling us they are concerned by modern headlights and some are now even limiting the amount of time they spend driving during darkness to avoid glare. Being dazzled by a headlight has a worrying impact on road safety and we need policymakers to take this matter seriously.”