Motorists across England are being forced to abandon evening journeys due to the increasing problem of blinding headlights, with new research revealing the scale of the issue.
Expert warning over driver vision
Denise Voon, clinical advisor at the College of Optometrists, has issued an urgent call for drivers experiencing vision problems while driving to visit their local optometrist. The warning comes amid growing complaints about modern vehicle headlights causing significant glare.
"Drivers are increasingly struggling with glare from modern headlights, and many are now choosing to avoid driving in the evening and night altogether," Ms Voon stated.
Call for government action on headlight regulations
Road safety experts are pressing the Labour government and Department for Transport to take immediate action. Ms Voon emphasised: "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."
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at the road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, highlighted that while amending international regulations for new vehicles is important, more needs to be done about vehicles already on UK 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.
Research confirms widespread problem
The concerns follow a new report from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) that identified motorists are being regularly dazzled by headlights. Evidence suggests modern lamps could be brighter than previous generations.
Research shows that more than half of UK drivers have reported being affected by bright headlights, causing some people to limit their time on the road or stop driving altogether at night.
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, commented: "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. 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."
