Four in five drivers concerned about bright headlight glare

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 00:20 · Archive

Four in five UK motorists are concerned about bright headlight glare affecting their driving as the clocks go back this weekend.

Four in five UK drivers are concerned about bright headlight glare affecting their driving as the clocks go back this weekend, with one in four of those affected planning to reduce or stop driving at night, according to RAC research based on a survey of 1,208 regular UK motorists.

The clocks turn back one hour on Sunday morning, resulting in earlier sunsets and more evening commutes occurring in darkness. Among drivers dazzled by glare, half said excessively bright headlights make identifying road hazards harder, while 49 per cent struggle to see road signs and markings. Some 47 per cent find it difficult to assess the position of oncoming vehicles, and 43 per cent struggle to judge their speed and distance. A third of affected drivers said they are temporarily blinded by oncoming bright headlights.

The RAC reported that three-quarters of drivers struggling to see due to headlight glare think the problem is getting progressively worse. A government-commissioned study by consultancy TRL confirmed that brighter vehicle headlights are more likely to cause glare for oncoming drivers. The RAC noted that headlight glare affects not only drivers but also pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists.

How it is being reported

• Dazzling headlights forcing one in four drivers off the road after clock changeOne in four motorists affected by headlight glare plan on reducing or even giving up driving when the clocks go back this weekend.This is Money · 23 Oct, 00:01
• Four in five motorists ‘concerned about impact of bright headlight glare on their driving’The clocks will go back one hour on Sunday morning, resulting in the sun setting earlier each day and more post-work journeys being in darknessThe Independent · 23 Oct, 00:01

In this story: RAC · TRL · UK · Worcestershire

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem