Official warning on dazzling running lights
DAYTIME running lights (DRLS) risk dazzling drivers at night, England’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has warned.
Professor Dame Sally Davies said in her annual report: “At night, if [DRLS] do not dim… they can be very dazzling.” Prof Davies added that this posed a potential safety risk: “Older drivers, in particular, will be dazzled by oncoming vehicles, with the risk that they may not see hazards until too late.”
While modern DRLS are designed to switch off when a car’s headlights are on, drivers who forget to turn their headlamps on, or don’t switch these to ‘auto’, risk having their DRLS dazzle other motorists.
The CMO’S comments come after research by the RAC found 15 per cent of drivers reported having a “near miss” after being dazzled by oncoming traffic.
The UK Government is currently working with the United Nations to determine whether some car headlights are too bright, following a rising number of complaints from drivers. This investigation could result in a review of lighting standards for manufacturers.
“Drivers who forget to turn their headlamps on risk having their DRLS dazzle other motorists”