A survey conducted by the RAC has highlighted growing concerns among drivers about the escalating problem of headlight glare.
According to the poll of 2,000 UK drivers by research firm Online95 in December, more than four out of five (85%) respondents affected by headlight glare believe the issue is exacerbating.
The RAC, urging the government to fund an independent investigation, attributes the intensifying glare to modern cars employing LED instead of traditional halogen bulbs, creating a brighter and more focused beam that enhances the driver's visibility but poses challenges to other road users.
89% of drivers surveyed believe certain headlights are overly bright, with two-thirds (67%) forced to significantly reduce speed when dazzled, and 64% expressing concerns about the risk of accidents due to excessively bright headlights.
Statistics from the government reveal an average of 280 yearly collisions caused by dazzling headlights since 2013, leading to six fatal incidents annually.
RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis emphasized the urgency for government intervention, stressing the need for an independent study to comprehend the surge in glare reports and ensure driver safety during extended periods of nighttime driving.
Various road safety experts and officials, including Mike Bowen from the College of Optometrists, Baroness Hayter, and Nicholas Lyes from IAM RoadSmart, echoed the call for immediate action, urging policymakers to address the mounting safety concerns caused by increasingly dazzling headlights.
The Department for Transport (DfT) acknowledged these concerns, stating that they reinforced headlamp regulations last year to minimize glare based on recommendations from an expert group. All headlights are required to adhere to stringent technical standards for road approval.
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