28 October 2026
Headlight glare is leaving some drivers struggling to spot hazards, signs and road markings, as well as making it harder to judge the position, speed and distance of oncoming vehicles, according to new research published by the RAC.
The research, which was published last Friday (23 October) ahead of the clocks going back, reports the findings of a survey of 1208 drivers across the UK earlier this month.
In the survey, 83% of drivers said they were concerned about the impact of glare on their driving as darkness falls in late afternoon, while 76% of those affected by glare said the problem is getting progressively worse.
Among driver respondents who said they get ‘dazzled,’ 50% said that bright headlights make it harder to spot other road hazards, while 49% said they struggle to see road signs and markings. 14% of dazzled drivers said they have narrowly avoided a collision.
Furthermore, nearly half (47%) of respondents said they find it difficult to judge the position of oncoming vehicles and four in 10 (43%) said they cannot easily judge other vehicles’ speed and distance. Additionally, 35% said they get temporarily blinded.
The impact of headlight glare can extend beyond on-road experiences, the survey also found that 21% of those affected by glare plan to drive less once the clocks go back, while 3% plan to stop driving at night altogether.
For respondents who said they have already given up driving at night or drive, 20% said they see family less, while 6% have cancelled medical appointments because of the difficulties they face driving in the dark.
In October last year, an independent study exploring the impact of headlight glare, which was commissioned by the UK Government following calls from the RAC, as well as the College of Optometrists, was published. The research reported some brighter modern headlights are more likely to cause glare to drivers.
However, the latest RAC research highlighted that drivers want to see action that helps reduce glare caused by existing vehicles already on the roads, as well as by future automobile models.
Almost three-quarters (73%) of those surveyed believe that future research should examine both existing and future vehicles, while only 14% think it should look only at vehicles not yet for sale.
The RAC reported that further UK research is expected to follow.
RAC senior policy officer, Rod Dennis, said: “The shorter days are here, which means millions of drivers will once again have to contend with the unwelcome effects of headlight dazzle.
“Our latest figures uncover an uncomfortable irony: the very headlights that illuminate the road for drivers and keep them safe could be doing the polar opposite for others by temporarily blinding them. This is leading to people feeling less confident and safe behind the wheel, and in some cases is stopping them driving in the dark altogether. The impact of this on their lives shouldn’t be underestimated.”
Dennis welcomed the Government’s commitment to carry out further research into the problem, but emphasised, “drivers will only be satisfied when they know meaningful changes are coming that will tackle the problems they experience.”
“We don’t feel vehicle lighting regulations sufficiently consider the effects of very bright lights on other road users. We badly need to establish the correct amount of light needed to give drivers the best view of the road ahead without dazzling those in oncoming vehicles,” he added.
It was also emphasised in the research that glare does not only impact drivers when they are behind the wheel. 57% of survey respondents said they experience dazzle from headlights as pedestrians or wheelchair users, while 20% said they do when cycling after dark.
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, optometrist and clinical advisor at the College of Optometrists, highlighted that, “the loss of confidence and sense of safety caused by dazzling headlights should be reason enough for action, but when some drivers conclude their only way of coping this winter is to drive less at night, or not at all, policymakers must listen.”
He added: “As the RAC’s latest research shows, the problem affects pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists as well. I look forward to hearing what the Government plans to do to protect road users and reduce the glare that far too many of them continue to experience.”
Peer and anti-headlight glare campaigner, Baroness Dianne Hayter, described
headlight glare as “more than just an annoyance for many drivers.”
“Being dazzled by bright headlights can temporarily affect a person’s ability to see clearly, making it harder to spot hazards and judge distances safely. These concerns are leading to many people choosing to only drive during daylight hours, which can impact their independence and ability to maintain their social connections as we head into the winter months,” she added.
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