The U.K. has announced plans to commission an independent study into glare from bright car headlights, following a petition that gained over 13,000 signatures. The petition highlighted the issue of headlights causing oncoming traffic to be unable to see clearly and safely. Roadside assistance company RAC conducted a study that found nearly 90 percent of drivers believe that some headlights on cars today are too bright. The majority of those affected by the bright lights stated that the problem is getting worse. The use of LED headlights, which have a more intense and focused beam compared to halogen bulbs, may be contributing to the issue.
Transport Canada has not yet responded to inquiries regarding a potential study into the brightness of car headlights. Automotive regulatory compliance lawyer Tim Cullen believes that LED headlights meet Canada’s regulations for brightness, but the human eye may perceive them differently from halogen bulbs. Cullen suggests that adjustments to regulations may be necessary to account for how people perceive light. He also notes that any changes to regulations regarding headlights are more likely to occur in the U.S. first, as Canada often follows the lead of our southern neighbor.
While the U.K. government has not found any underlying road safety issues with bright car headlights, they have raised the issue with the United Nations international expert group on vehicle lighting. David Aylor, Vice President for Active Safety at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, acknowledges that the increase in LED headlights has led to greater visibility and reduced glare for newer vehicles. Aylor stresses the importance of visibility at night, as a majority of fatalities occur during nighttime driving. He mentions that glare caused by oncoming traffic is difficult to study but acknowledges that where headlights are positioned can affect the amount of glare.
Some drivers have raised concerns about the brightness of car headlights, with Reddit featuring a dedicated forum for headlight complaints. Optometrist Dr. Mark Eltis notes that bright lights in the dark can overwhelm the visual system, especially for an aging population that may be more susceptible to vision impairment. Retired road safety consultant Bob Dewar agrees that bright headlights can cause glare, particularly for older individuals. He highlights the potential danger for pedestrians and other drivers, particularly when there is water on the road that can reflect additional glare. Dewar emphasizes the need for balanced visibility and reduced glare for all road users.
In the U.S., technology such as Adaptive Driving Beam is available to adjust headlights based on what is in front of them, but it is not widely adopted yet. Aylor explains that the height at which headlights are mounted on trucks and SUVs can significantly impact the amount of glare. While increased visibility is beneficial, concerns remain regarding the potential hazards posed by overly bright headlights. As the debate continues, it is crucial to consider the impact of headlight brightness on overall road safety and the well-being of all road users.
