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Glaring errors: the impact of LED headlights.

Press release -

Glaring errors: the impact of LED headlights.

Bright LED headlights are leaving motorists dazzled and dazed at night, and now the government is under pressure to act. In a survey for the UK’s leading road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, 83% of respondents agreed that headlights are much brighter in modern vehicles.

Other potential factors for the dazzling displays include badly aligned headlights and a rise in the number of cars sitting higher on the road, such as SUVs. A petition has been launched to strong-arm Number 10 into commissioning an independent study into the contentious subject.




IAM RoadSmart has some tips to help reduce the nighttime dazzle.

Keep your speed down at night.

If the glare from an oncoming vehicle at night is so bad, gently slow down and avoid sharp braking. This will help reduce the risk of an impact if your vision is affected.

Make sure your windscreen is clean.

Dirt and road debris can leave your windscreen looking mucky and can increase light glare. Give your windscreen and wipers a good clean before you embark on any journey, and if your windscreen has any damage at all, get it fixed. Also, ensure your own headlight covers are cleaned to reduce glare from your own vehicle.

Adjust your rearview mirror.

While some cars have self-dimming mirrors or tinted rear windows, most require you to manually adjust the mirror.

Consider anti-glare glasses.

Speak to your optician if you feel it is becoming a problem. There are anti-glare glasses that may be able to mitigate the problem.

Keep the roads lit.

Where your route allows, it may be better to stick to well-lit roads, as street lighting can help reduce the impact of dazzling headlights, while unlit rural roads can make headlight glare feel far more pronounced.

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: "Drivers are increasingly telling us they are concerned by modern headlights, and some are now even limiting the amount of time they spend driving during darkness to avoid glare. Being dazzled by headlights has a worrying impact on road safety, and we need policymakers to take this matter seriously."

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About IAM RoadSmart

IAM RoadSmart is the UK’s largest road safety charity. It has a vision of a society where all road users can safely and sustainably use the public highways together. It does this through a range of means including through the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart was formed in March 1956 and has over 75,000 members that supports its campaigns on road safety. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit: www.iamroadsmart.com

Contacts

Rebecca Dundon

Rebecca Dundon

Press contact Press Officer Media Enquiries 020 8996 9777
Nicholas Lyes

Nicholas Lyes

Press contact Policy and Standards Director
Harriet Hernando

Harriet Hernando

Press contact PR & Press Manager 07711850639

Enhancing road safety for all

At IAM RoadSmart we make better drivers and riders. As the UK’s largest road safety charity, formed in 1956, we’ve spent more than 60 years making our roads safer by improving driver and rider skills through coaching and education. If you are interested in receiving additional driving and riding tips, journey blogs and information on all things relating to safer roads, or if you want to try your hand at becoming an advanced driver or rider sign up to become a member

IAM RoadSmart Media Centre

IAM RoadSmart, 1 Albany Place, Hyde Way
AL7 3BT Welwyn Garden City
England