LED headlight glare can be combatted with little-known dashboard trick
New data has found more than half of all drivers asked believe the headlights are 'too bright' and it affects some drivers worse than others
More than half of drivers (57 per cent) say that LED headlights are too bright, causing them issues whilst on the roads. A survey found that the same amount think road users are being put at risk while driving as a result of the headlamps.
The research, conducted by LKQ Euro Car Parts, found that the majority of drivers believe LED headlights are too bright and a cause for concern, with a quarter (25 per cent) also saying that overly bright headlights impair their vision while driving.
And while these ultra-bright lights are becoming the norm in modern vehicles because of their energy efficiency and visibility benefits, concerns are mounting over their impact on safety for drivers on the other side of the road.
LKQ Euro Car Parts' research revealed that nearly a third (28 per cent) of drivers would support new legislation to regulate LED headlights, with some even calling for a complete ban.
Experts have shared one little-known trick to combat the glare of the lights which can help when driving at night.
They suggest dimming your dashboard light as it will help your to adapt to oncoming glare better.
They explained: "A bright dashboard can make it harder for your eyes to adjust to darkness, amplifying glare from oncoming headlights.
"If possible, lower the brightness of your dashboard at night to improve contrast and help your eyes adapt more easily."
Other tips to help cope with the glare include cleaning the glass on your car and keeping windows and mirrors clean.
Experts from LKQ Euro Car Parts said: "Dirty windows and mirrors can worsen the glare from oncoming headlights by scattering the light as it hits the surface, so it’s important to keep them clean.
"You’ll need a microfibre cloth and a specialist glass cleaner to wipe away any smears from the glass and leave your windows and mirrors sparkling.”
They also suggest adjusting mirrors. They said: "Misaligned mirrors can reflect bright headlights that are behind you directly into your eyes, making the glare from LED lights worse. Ensure your rear-view mirror is in ‘night’ or ‘auto-dimming’ mode if available.
"Adjust your side mirrors too so they reflect the road rather than direct light from other vehicles."
Another tip is to have your eyes tested regularly. They added: "Changes in vision, particularly as we age, can make us more sensitive to glare.
"Having regular eye tests to ensure your prescription is up to date is an important safety precaution for driving, and can also help detect conditions like cataracts, which can increase glare sensitivity."
According to Dr. Deborah Lee from Dr Fox online pharmacy, bright lights can cause many physical symptoms which can be worse for older drivers.
She said: "Sudden exposure to bright headlights can cause temporary vision impairment, eye strain, headaches and even slower reaction times. For older drivers or those with existing eye conditions, the effects can be even worse.
“In short, the intensity of LED headlights can create what's called an intraocular straylight, which blurs vision and makes it hard for eyes to focus.
"This can be especially dangerous when driving at night as it can make it harder to see hazards on the road.”
Unsurprisingly, those without LED headlights on their own car are much more likely to have worries, with more than three quarters (78 per cent) saying they think they are too bright, compared to less than half (47 per cent) of those with LED headlights.
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However, a small number of those with LED headlights have found them to be so bright that they have removed and replaced the bulbs (7 per cent).
While the issue affects drivers of all ages, older motorists are feeling the impact the most, with more than a third (36 per cent) of over-65s saying LED glare impairs their vision while driving (compared to 15 per cent of 18–24-year-olds).
Younger drivers are more likely to react emotionally, with a third (33 per cent) of 18-24's experiencing road rage because of overly bright headlights, compared to just 2 per cent of over-65s.
The glare from LED headlights is currently being looked into by the UK government after pressure from the RAC and the Royal College of Optometrists. The findings will be reported in the summer.