Four in five British drivers say they are “nervous” about being dazzled by the increasing use of LED bulbs in the headlights of new car models — which make driving at night difficult, especially since the time has changed.
The government will look into car design and the increasing use of new LED headlights, which drivers argue are making it harder to drive on roads at night.
According to one from the British motoring organization RACpublished this Tuesday, four out of five drivers (82%) are worried about being dazzled by headlights other vehicles, particularly on darker afternoons following the recent time change.
“Unfortunately, for many drivers, the annual period when the afternoons are darkest has in recent years added to another unwanted arrival to the roads: that of excessively bright headlightswhich drivers say makes driving more difficult due to glare and discomfort,” he says Rod Dennissenior policy officer at RAC, cited by .
The RAC attributes the increase in brightness to modern bi-xenon or LED lampswhich are becoming most common in new vehicles.
According to , the LED headlight beam is whiter, more focused and brighter than the more diffuse light from halogen bulbs fitted to older cars. Other factors that cause problems for drivers include poorly aligned headlights and the highest position of SUV lights.
Is it dangerous?
At best, the glare from new LED headlights can make driving uncomfortable and more difficultthe RAC, but the consequences can be but serious.
50% of drivers surveyed said they had temporarily lost visionand more than 1/3 said they felt less safe to drive due to the bright headlights of other vehicles. Others reported tiredness, headaches and even migraines.
The problem is worse for older peoplewhose eyes take longer to recover from glare. From 15 to 65 years oldrecovery time increases from two to nine secondssays the , website of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in the United Kingdom.
According to a conclusion published in 2018 in Frontiers in Psychologyheadlight glare particularly affected people with cataracts.
In total, dazzling headlights are cited as factor in 200 to 300 accidents per year in the United Kingdom per year — but there is no evidence that brighter lights are causing more collisions than before.
What can be done?
According to The Week, the UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has stepped up surveillance to intercept the sale of illegal replacement headlight bulbs. Violators are subject to a fine of up to 1,000 pounds, around 1,135 euros.
Drivers can also help minimize the impact of the brightest headlights on new models. Optometrists recommend that you ensure that the your car’s windshield is always clean — just like your glasses, if you wear them.
Furthermore, avoid looking directly ahead: Focus on the side of the road. Do not wear sunglasses sold for night drivingas they reduce overall light, not glare.
While headlight glare is an issue that “needs to be addressed”, says the RAC, it is “important to remember that brighter headlights can give drivers a better view of the road ahead“.
Therefore, concludes RAC, it is necessary to find the balance point.
