Motorists are resorting to swerving in traffic to ensure they are not dazzled by bright headlights, according to new data, as experts call for law changes to be introduced.
Fresh research has found that one in five motorists has swerved out of the way to avoid bright headlight beams from cars in the opposite direction of traffic.
A further 55 per cent believe that headlight glare is making it more difficult for road users to stay safe, especially when travelling at night.
Almost half of drivers have been forced to slow or stop their car because of the issue, which could lead to chaos on the roads during the darker months of the year.
The impact of the headlight glare is also particularly pronounced, with 47 per cent saying it takes them a few seconds to recover from being dazzled.
Many blame this on the popularity of modern LED headlight bulbs, which produce a white light, as opposed to older, halogen bulbs, which appear to be more yellow.
The rise of SUVs has also contributed to drivers being dazzled at a more consistent rate, given the taller frame of the vehicle.
With an ever-growing number of larger vehicles on the road, motorists could see themselves dazzled more frequently on account of SUV headlights being near eye level for those behind the wheel of smaller vehicles.
Millions of motorists across the country continue to be impacted by bright headlights
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PA/GETTYPaul Burgess, CEO of Startline Motor Finance, commented on the growing issue of headlight glare, saying more should be done, noting that drivers “wholeheartedly support” restrictions on the bright headlights.
He added: “Only eight per cent of motorists in our research believe the brighter headlights fitted to modern cars are making driving safer and that the better visibility they offer outweighs the possibility of being dazzled.
“That’s quite a damning verdict on the newer technology being used. Especially, the finding that one in five drivers have actively swerved out of the way of an oncoming vehicle because of glare is worrying.”
Elderly drivers are also more likely to be impacted by bright headlights, which has prompted some older motorists to consider how much time they spend on the road.
Elderly drivers can be more at risk of having eye-related issues as they get older, and could face difficulties on the road if they are dazzled frequently.
“Glare is an issue they believe is making driving more dangerous and even causing them to use their car less at night because they feel less safe. Change is necessary,” Mr Burgess said.
A Department for Transport spokesperson told GB News: “We know there is increased public concern about headlamp glare – that’s why we have commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes, which will help identify potential mitigations.
“There is also work underway at an international level on headlight glare prevention, which we will consider.”
Some elderly motorists have admitted to avoiding driving at night over fears of being dazzled
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