We all know that sudden spike in anxiety when an oncoming car’s lights are so bright, you can no longer see the road properly. While being bedazzled by headlights at night is not a new problem, it’s now getting so bad that some motorists are quitting driving altogether when it’s dark.

That’s the findings of new research from the RAC that reveals 23% of drivers are reducing their night-time driving because of the serious discomfort caused by dazzling lights.

The RAC’s research also shows that 61% of drivers reckon the issue has gotten significantly worse over the past year with 75% of those reducing their nighttime driving because of it – plus 5% have given up altogether.

Age old problem

You may think this growing reluctance to drive at night is mainly an issue for older drivers. And, yes, while 38% of over-74s have cut back on nighttime driving due to dazzling lights, 33% of drivers under 35 are also hanging up their car keys.

Even those who continue to drive at night say that there is a problem with 28% believing most headlights are too bright with 61% stating that some lights are.

Safety issue

The threat of dazzling lights shouldn’t be underestimated as they can make it more difficult to:

  • Tell if the oncoming vehicle is indicating
  • Judge position and speed of the oncoming car
  • Judge the intentions of the oncoming car
  • Make out a road’s crucial markings such as centre lines.

Contributing factor

Dazzling headlights are also shown to have contributed to 280 incidents on average every year since 2013 – with six resulting in deaths per annum.

The issue is already under investigation by the Department for Transport. It has commissioned research into what is causing the dazzling problem with findings to be published this summer.

“The fact the Government has listened to drivers’ concerns and heeded our calls to examine the complex issue of headlight glare in more detail marks a real turning point. The topic has undoubtedly struck a chord with motorists up and down the country, with many people contacting us directly to call for something to be done.”

• Rod Dennis, Senior Policy Officer, RAC

Take action

While we wait on the government’s findings, the College of Optometrists recommends that to avoid being dazzled, you should keep your windscreen – and your glasses if you wear them – as clean and smudge-free as possible. You should also get your eyesight tested to ensure there isn’t an issue with your eyes’ health.

If you do find yourself dazzled by headlights, focus your eyes on the side of the road or the kerb. This will help you judge your road positioning so you stay as safe as possible until the oncoming car passes.

Finally, while some modern cars have auto-dimming headlights, remember that they don’t always work so be ready to dip your headlights so you don’t become part of the problem.

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