The U.K. recently announced that it will commission an independent study into the glare produced by bright car headlights following a petition that gained over 13,000 signatures. Roadside assistance company RAC conducted a study and found that nearly 90 per cent of drivers believe that some headlights on cars today are too bright. The problem seems to be increasing, with 85 per cent of those affected reporting that the issue is worsening. LED headlights, which emit a more intense and focused beam compared to halogen bulbs, may be contributing to the problem.
Automotive regulatory compliance lawyer Tim Cullen believes that LED headlights likely fall within Canada’s regulations for brightness, but acknowledged that the human eye may perceive them differently than halogen bulbs. He suggested that the standard regulations should possibly be adjusted to account for this difference in perception. However, any change in regulations would likely be led by the U.S., as Canadian road safety laws often mirror those of the United States. Despite complaints about the brightness of LED headlights, the U.K. has stated that police collision statistics do not indicate a road safety issue, but has raised the matter with the United Nations international expert group on vehicle lighting.
David Aylor of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety highlighted that while LED headlights come with increased visibility and reduced glare for newer vehicles, concerns about glare from oncoming traffic have been raised. Aylor noted that headlight positioning can impact the amount of glare, particularly on trucks and SUVs where the lights are mounted higher. He also mentioned new technology such as the Adaptive Driving Beam, which adapts beams based on what is in front of the vehicle, as a potential solution to address glare. However, this technology is not widely adopted yet.
Some drivers have taken to forums like Reddit to voice their complaints about the brightness of car headlights, with pictures showing the intensity of the lights even during daytime. Optometrist Dr. Mark Eltis emphasized that bright lights in the dark can overwhelm the visual system, particularly affecting an aging population who may be more susceptible to vision impairment. Retired road safety consultant Bob Dewar echoed these concerns, stating that bright headlights can cause glare, especially for older individuals. Dewar also noted that bright lights can be problematic for pedestrians and other drivers, particularly when there is water on the road causing additional glare.
In the midst of these concerns, the Canadian government has not indicated whether it plans to conduct a study on bright car headlights. While the issue remains up for debate, it is evident that bright headlights can have a significant impact on road safety and driver visibility. As technology continues to evolve, solutions such as the Adaptive Driving Beam may offer ways to mitigate glare and improve overall driving conditions. Ultimately, finding a balance between improved visibility and reduced glare will be crucial in addressing the issue of excessively bright car headlights.
