Lilian Greenwood MP, Future of Roads Minister, confirmed the new Labour government is in the process of commissioning independent research to investigate the root causes of headlight glare, in her response to a parliamentary question.
With the days becoming shorter and drivers set to turn on their headlights earlier, more road users are being troubled by the brightness of other vehicles’ headlights. The rising cases of drivers reporting being dazzled in recent years means this is a major road safety issue, as well as having a knock-on impact on the night-time economy.
Research conducted by IAM RoadSmart surveyed an opinion panel of approximately 7,000 members, male and female drivers of various ages, on the effects of headlight glare.
Nicholas Lyes, Policy and Standards Director at IAM RoadSmart comments: “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. Therefore, we strongly welcome a commitment to commission independent research.”
Tips for business drivers to reduce headlight glare
Ensure all glass areas of the vehicle are clean: The windshield, mirrors, and windows should be routinely cleaned. Dirt, and in the winter months – snow and salt, diffuses the light across your windscreen which can ruin visibility.
Know the correct procedure for headlight glare: Drivers can be affected by headlight glare as far as 3,000 feet away. If you feel you won’t be able to see after a vehicle approaching you has passed, slow down and try not to look directly at those headlights. Try and instead aim your eyes downwards and to the left, following the line at the edge of the road.
Go for regular eye checkups: The impact of headlight glare increases when you have vison problems. If you notice headlight glare having a profound impact on your driving, we recommend visiting an optician to have your eyes checked. Your optician might also recommend wearing anti-glare glasses.
Adjust rearview mirror to night mode: If not changed automatically, make sure you change your rearview mirror to a night setting so that vehicle lights from behind can appear dimmer.
Remember to take a break: Long business hours spent driving, especially at night, can strain your eyes, making them prone to headlight glare – even from light beams that are less bright.
IAM RoadSmart is the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, providing driver training and risk management tools for business fleets. To learn more about how we can help you enhance your fleet, contact us.
