The government has launched an investigation into concerns that modern car headlights are excessively bright, following widespread public complaints that some drivers are being left blinded and dazzled on the roads. Last year, dazzling headlights contributed to 216 accidents.
Have your say! Do you find yourself dazzled or blinded by car headlights? Are there any particular types of vehicles that are the biggest problems? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
AA members have reported to the organisation that LED lights on vehicles are among the factors causing them to be "blinded" while driving, according to its president Edmund King. Labour MP Graeme Downie, who raised the issue in Parliament, also cautioned that some drivers are "less aware of the impact their own lighting might have on others".
According to national collision data, dazzling headlights were a contributing factor in 216 incidents in 2023, with Kent and Surrey being the worst-affected areas, each recording 11 collisions. Although this figure is up from 211 the previous year, it is down from 315 in 2017 and 309 a decade ago.
Transport minister Lilian Greenwood was asked for the Department for Transport's assessment of the safety of LED headlights, stating that statistics "do not show any discernible trend to suggest that advances in lighting technology are contributing negatively" to road vehicle collisions.
The government anticipates the publication of independent research examining headlight glare this summer.
Mr King stated: "Our own research shows it is an issue for some drivers with three quarters saying they have been blinded by oncoming headlights. Our members tell us that they are feeling the strain of brighter headlights more than ever before, as well as brighter brake and traffic lights."
"Conversely, they also say brighter lights enhance road safety. The problem seems to be LED lights on higher vehicles such as SUVs. The Government-sponsored investigation into the use of LED lights on our roads should help clarify this issue further, as well as provide appropriate measures where needed."
Mr Downie, the MP for Dunfermline and Dollar in Scotland, told the PA news agency: "I have heard from constituents, as well as from family and friends and my own experience driving round the constituency that cars with newer LED lights can be blinding for other road users."
"While they might illuminate the road well for the driver, they dazzle in the eyes of other road users and could be dangerous. In addition, technology such as automatic beam control that is more common means some drivers are less aware of the impact their own lighting might have on others. The safety of individual drivers cannot be at the expense of other road users and pedestrians. I am glad this is something the Government is now looking at and I look forward to the results and what action can be taken to improve road safety."
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis remarked: "Few issues we deal with have triggered quite as much of a reaction among drivers as the brightness of headlights. It's clear that, for a proportion of the driving public, glare affects them profoundly on the roads at night. But while the frustration is evident, the causes of the problem and what can be done about it are much less clear. That's why the Government-funded project is so important."
Ms Greenwood, responding to Mr Downie in writing, stated: "National collision statistics, which can record headlamp dazzle as a contributory factor, do not show any discernible trend to suggest that advances in lighting technology are contributing negatively to road vehicle collisions."
"However, noting increased public concern, the Government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes of headlamp glare and develop potential countermeasures. This work is under way and is due to deliver in summer 2025."
Have your say! Do you find yourself dazzled or blinded by car headlights? Are there any particular types of vehicles that are the biggest problems? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
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