The problem of drivers being dazzled by vehicle headlights is expected to be addressed in the Government’s road safety strategy.

The Department for Transport (DfT) commissioned TRL – Transport Research Laboratory – to investigate why drivers are being dazzled by headlights last year. 

The results of that research are expected in the next few weeks and, according to the DfT, will inform the upcoming road safety strategy. 

In addition, new research into the role of vehicle design in causing glare, and possible solutions, is expected to be commissioned, which will feed into international discussion of the issue.

It comes as new research from the RAC reveals that four-in-five drivers (82%) are concerned about getting dazzled by vehicle headlights with the arrival of darker evenings. 

Of the four-in-10 respondents (38%) who said they are nervous about driving in the dark, three-quarters (75%) said it was because of bright headlights, compared to 63% who said spotting hazards is harder in the dark and 41% who said they can’t judge the speed of other vehicles as easily.

A third (33%) reported they are nervous about driving in the dark as they find judging the distance of other vehicles harder, while around a quarter (23%) say they just feel less confident driving at night. 

The RAC began campaigning several years ago, along with the College of Optometrists, IAM RoadSmart and Baroness Hayter, for the causes of headlight glare to be investigated.

Further information: https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/road-safety-strategy-to-tackle-headlight-glare

The problem of drivers being dazzled by vehicle headlights is expected to be addressed in the Government’s road safety strategy.

The Department for Transport (DfT) commissioned TRL – Transport Research Laboratory – to investigate why drivers are being dazzled by headlights last year. 

The results of that research are expected in the next few weeks and, according to the DfT, will inform the upcoming road safety strategy. 

In addition, new research into the role of vehicle design in causing glare, and possible solutions, is expected to be commissioned, which will feed into international discussion of the issue.

It comes as new research from the RAC reveals that four-in-five drivers (82%) are concerned about getting dazzled by vehicle headlights with the arrival of darker evenings. 

Of the four-in-10 respondents (38%) who said they are nervous about driving in the dark, three-quarters (75%) said it was because of bright headlights, compared to 63% who said spotting hazards is harder in the dark and 41% who said they can’t judge the speed of other vehicles as easily.

A third (33%) reported they are nervous about driving in the dark as they find judging the distance of other vehicles harder, while around a quarter (23%) say they just feel less confident driving at night. 

The RAC began campaigning several years ago, along with the College of Optometrists, IAM RoadSmart and Baroness Hayter, for the causes of headlight glare to be investigated.

Further information: https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/road-safety-strategy-to-tackle-headlight-glare