Nearly all UK drivers say headlights are too bright (bbc.com)

Article summary

A study in the UK found that 97% of drivers are regularly or sometimes distracted by oncoming vehicles and 96% think most or some headlights are too bright. The government will review the design of cars and headlamps in response to these concerns. The study suggests that LED and whiter headlamps may be linked to glare and that drivers might find their whiteness harder to cope with. The issue is not unique to the UK, with similar concerns raised in other countries, including the US.

Main themes

• Headlight brightness
• Road safety
• Vehicle design
• Driver distraction
• Regulations

What commenters say

• Stricter regulations on headlight brightness are needed to prevent driver distraction and improve road safety.
• The height of headlights, particularly on SUVs, is a significant contributor to the problem of glare and should be addressed through design changes or regulations.
• Aftermarket LED kits are often not aimed correctly and are a major cause of the problem, but some argue that this is not the primary issue.
• Newer cars with standard LED headlights are also a significant contributor to the problem, with some arguing that they are too bright and should be subject to stricter regulations.
• The lack of safety inspections in many US states means that there is little enforcement of headlight regulations, allowing non-compliant headlights to remain on the road.
• Some argue that the issue is not just about headlight brightness, but also about the angle and aim of the headlights, and that a more comprehensive approach to regulation is needed.
• The use of blue/white LEDs in newer cars is particularly problematic, as they can be more dazzling than traditional headlights, and some argue that they should be subject to stricter regulations.