With the clocks about to go back and darker evenings fast approaching, a car insurance organisation is calling for swift action to protect riders and drivers from the glare caused by ultra-bright LED headlights fitted to modern cars.

Anyone who’s ridden on England’s roads in recent years will have noticed how bright car headlights have become – and a survey by Tiger.co.uk found that 92% of motorists of all kinds have been dazzled by oncoming headlights at night. 81% said the issue has become more of a problem in recent years, with 72% saying they have had to slow down or stop because the glare was so bright they’d been struggling to see.

The issue of ultra-bright lights is particularly concerning for motorcyclists as a momentary glare of a bright light can cause us to lose control and balance at a critical point, or fail to spot a hazard in time to avoid it.

More cars are fitted with LED headlights to improve visibility for the driver, but their powerful beams can easily dazzle others, especially when misaligned or retrofitted into cars not built for them. The growing popularity of taller vehicles, such as SUVs, adds to the problem by directing beams straight into the eye line of bike riders. It used to be that riders would look down on car headlights, but now SUV lights are much higher and are in our immediate line of sight.

Last year, the Government commissioned an independent study into bright car headlights. The research aims to better understand the causes of glare and develop recommendations, including tightening safety standards.

Until regulations are introduced, however, drivers are urged to only use high beams in low-traffic areas with no oncoming vehicles.

Ian Wilson, managing director and car insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk, said:

“With the clocks about to go back, more riders will be on the road in the dark, and that means a greater risk of being dazzled by overly bright headlights.

 

“What used to be an occasional annoyance has now become a widespread safety concern affecting almost everyone on the road.

 

“Our survey shows that most motorists have experienced being dazzled, and many have even had to slow down or stop their cars as a result.

 

“This kind of distraction can be dangerous, especially on fast-moving roads or in poor weather conditions.”

 

“LED technology has made headlights brighter and more efficient, but it’s clear that regulations haven’t kept pace with the technology.

 

“We welcome the government’s ongoing review into headlight glare and hope it leads to updated standards that make night driving safer for everyone.

 

“Until stricter rules are introduced, drivers can help by being wary of these concerns. Simple actions like dipping beams early, keeping lenses clean, and checking their headlight alignment regularly can all help make the roads safer for everyone.”

Riders who have been dazzled by a headlight are advised to pull over and stop while their eyesight clears.

“It is better to pause your ride rather than risk carrying on with your vision compromised, as this can lead to you missing a hazard or misjudging a situation on the road.”