Drivers are reporting being blinded by increasingly bright headlights, leading to calls for the government to intervene. While statistics don't show a clear link to accidents, concerns are growing and an independent study is underway to assess the issue and potential solutions.
The government is considering taking action to reduce the intensity of headlights in cars, following warnings from drivers about being dazzled at night. Motorists say they are 'feeling the strain' of brighter headlights 'more than ever before', according to campaigners.
However, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood stated that statistics 'do not show any discernible trend to suggest that advances in lighting technology are contributing negatively' to road vehicle collisions when asked about the government's assessment of the safety of LED headlights. The AA has reported that LED lights on vehicles are among the factors causing members to be 'blinded' while driving, as stated by its president, Edmund King. Labour MP Graeme Downie, who posed the written question in Parliament, also expressed concern that some drivers are 'less aware of the impact their own lighting might have on others'.According to national collision data, dazzling headlights contributed to 216 incidents in 2023. Among these, Kent and Surrey experienced the most incidents, with 11 collisions each. While this number increased from 211 the previous year, it decreased from 315 in 2017 and 309 a decade ago. The government anticipates the publication of independent research examining headlight glare this summer.Mr. King commented: '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,' he continued. 'Conversely, they also say brighter lights enhance road safety.' He suggested the problem stems from LED lights on taller vehicles like SUVs. Mr. King believes the government-sponsored investigation into LED light usage on our roads should clarify this issue and provide appropriate measures if 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,' he added. He further stated that technology like automatic beam control, becoming more common, means some drivers are less aware of the impact their own lighting might have on others. Mr. Downie emphasized, 'The safety of individual drivers cannot be at the expense of other road users and pedestrians.' He expressed his satisfaction that the government is now addressing this issue and anticipates seeing the results and the subsequent actions taken to improve road safety.RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis commented: '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.' He acknowledged the frustration while admitting that the causes of the problem and potential solutions are less clear. This is why the government-funded project is so crucial.Ms. Greenwood, in her written reply to Mr. Downie, 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, acknowledging the 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 currently underway and expected to be completed in summer 2025.
HEADLIGHTS GLARE SAFETY LED LIGHTS DRIVERS
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