Quarter of Britain's motorists avoid driving at night due to bright headlights

Three out of five respondents who suffer from headlight glare say the problem has worsened in the previous 12 months, with only 26% disagreeing

A quarter of UK drivers are driving less at night as they find vehicle headlights too bright, a new survey suggests.

The poll of 1,866 drivers, commissioned by the car insurance company RAC in December 2024, indicated that 22% of participants tried to reduce their night driving.

Nearly all drivers surveyed believe headlights can be too bright, and 61% of those affected by glare say the problem has become worse in the past year, while 26% disagree.

The survey also found that drivers under 35 (41%) are more likely to say headlights are too bright, as are 38% of those who drive hatchbacks, estates, or saloons, which sit lower on the road than SUVs.

Around 17% of night-time drivers say bright headlights make them feel fatigued, while 16% report headaches, migraines or eye pain.

Department for Transport (DfT) figures show that since 2013, bright headlights have been a contributory factor in an average of 280 crashes every year on Britain’s roads, including six fatal accidents annually.

A DfT spokesperson said: “We know there is increased public concern about headlamp glare – that’s why we have commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes, which will help identify potential mitigations.

“This project is expected to conclude in the summer, and we will update on its findings as soon as possible.”

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “With the exception of potholes, few motoring topics seem to rouse as much interest among the nation’s drivers right now as bright headlights.

“What has gone from a mere frustration is now having a profound impact on people – whether that’s momentarily being blinded while driving or struggling to judge the speed or position of a vehicle ahead.

“The fact such a high proportion of people are also driving less at night – or wish they could – is remarkable and demonstrates the need for glare to be tackled.”

Why is this happening?

The RAC says modern car headlights appear brighter due to the use of bi-xenon and LED bulbs, creating a more intense beam than traditional halogen lights.

While this improves visibility for drivers, it can make the road harder to see for others.

Other potential factors include badly aligned headlights and the prevalence of SUVs, which generally have headlights in a higher position.