Labour is being urged to take urgent measures to protect drivers after new data found that bright headlights are causing glare and potentially leading to serious accidents.
A new report from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) identified that motorists are being dazzled by headlights, with evidence suggesting that modern lamps could be brighter than in previous generations.
Research shows that more than half of UK drivers have reported being affected by bright headlights, which has caused some people to limit their time on the road or stop driving altogether at night.
Modern vehicles were found to be particularly problematic, especially SUVs, as they sit higher off the ground, and LED headlights, since they have a brighter, whiter hue.
The research found that ageing eyes are more sensitive to glare, meaning older drivers could be more affected. It also found that women were more affected than men when being dazzled.
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, noted that his organisation had been campaigning for law changes to be enacted to protect motorists on roads.
The expert welcomed the findings from the TRL, which proved that being dazzled by headlights was not an “imagined phenomenon”.
He continued, saying: “We don’t yet have all the answers, but this report undoubtedly helps move us towards tackling the complex problem of glare from vehicle headlights.
New research has identified the impact of bright headlights on drivers
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“It’s vital the report and its considerations are now reviewed carefully to put us on a path towards changes that ultimately benefit all road users.”
The TRL report called for the Government to improve the understanding of experiences of glare, potentially with a public information campaign.
This could help drivers understand why they are dazzled at night and when they can best avoid being impacted by bright headlights.
It also suggested that the Department for Transport should conduct further research to understand the design of vehicles to minimise the discomfort felt by a growing number of motorists.
Denise Voon, clinical advisor at the College of Optometrists, called on drivers to visit their local optometrist if they are experiencing issues with their vision while behind the wheel.
She added: “Drivers are increasingly struggling with glare from modern headlights, and many are now choosing to avoid driving in the evening and night altogether.
“We look to the DfT to take immediate, actionable steps to support drivers and commission more detailed research, specifically into how headlight regulations need to change, to reduce the impact of disability glare when driving at night.”
Other organisations, including IAM RoadSmart, supported the research, confirming that it was something that should be taken seriously by motorists and the Government.
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at the road safety charity, said amending international regulations of new vehicles was important, but something needed to be done to address vehicles already on roads.
“The MOT test does provide for inspections of lights including intensity, but whether this is providing adequate safeguards for other motorists is debatable,” he noted.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport acknowledged that headlight glare was frustrating for many drivers and explained why it commissioned the research.
They said that the data collected could “help inform future negotiations on international vehicle standards” and warned that the sale of illegal headlamp bulbs can attract a fine of up to £2,500.