Bright modern headlights blinding motorists, says RAC

MODERN headlights on mainly upmarket cars are too bright and distracting, according to the RAC, as it blamed LED bulbs for a rise in complaints.

One in six drivers claim to have narrowly avoided accidents because of the blinding effects of the new headlights, the motoring body said.

The complaints have led the Department for Transport to set up a United Nations working group to find out why more drivers feel headlights have become overly bright.

LEDS – light-emitting diodes – have a lifespan and electrical efficiency several times greater than incandescent and fluorescent lamps, although they are more expensive to buy. Experts said it was “no coincidence” that makers of upmarket cars were using LED lights instead of traditional halogen bulbs.

Stephen Dixon, a lighting expert, said the rise of LEDS in headlights was likely to be why people perceived them to be brighter. He said: “LED light is more directional. Rather than a spread of light which comes from a halogen bulb, LED light is more focused. It is also a traditionally brighter light which appears as blue white, hence why it appears brighter in the dark.”

LED lights are most commonly found in upmarket cars as well as topspec versions of mid-range vehicles.

Cars sold in the UK have to be fitted with headlamps that conform to standards set by the EU in line with the United Nations’ World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations.

Government guidelines say headlights must illuminate the road ahead while not affecting the vision of other road users.

Pete Williams, RAC road safety spokesman, said: “The intensity and brightness of some new car headlights is clearly causing difficulty for other road users. Headlight technology has advanced considerably, but while that may be better for the drivers of those particular vehicles, it is presenting an unwanted new road safety risk for anyone driving toward them.

“Drivers also find it distracting when they have to contend with being dazzled by bright lights in their rear view mirrors. We look forward to seeing the progress of the United Nations’ vehicle lighting working group in April.”