Growing Complaints About Dazzling Headlights: Why Are They So Blinding?

amsterdam/london - Find out more about dazzling headlights and what you can do about them.

The Sunday Times revealed details of a study conducted by the RAC, the British counterpart of the ANWB, involving 2000 drivers. Nine out of ten participants believe that some headlights are too bright, with three-quarters stating they are regularly dazzled. 85% claim the problem is getting worse. The increasing intensity of LED headlights is cited as the main reason for this issue.

More and more cars are equipped with LED headlights, replacing traditional halogen lights. Halogens typically emit 1000 lumens, a measure of perceived brightness. LEDs are significantly more powerful, although specific information on their output is often undisclosed. The British advocacy group LightAware suspects LED intensity to be around 6000 lumens.

Additionally, there is a market for upgrading halogen lights to LEDs in older vehicles. These LEDs are often brighter than permitted. Some vendors on Amazon even offer headlights with an output of up to 35,000 lumens, claiming to 'illuminate the road like never before.' However, this leads to increased dazzle for other road users.

Scientists are uncertain about the exact cause of this dazzling effect. It is speculated that the higher color temperature of LEDs may play a role. 'They are whiter and resemble daylight more closely,' says a British clinical advisor. While LEDs enhance road visibility, they also contribute to increased glare. Furthermore, as taller vehicles (SUVs) become more prevalent, their headlights are often positioned higher, making them more likely to shine directly into the eyes of oncoming drivers.

Another issue is that LEDs emit light more directly through a combination of reflectors and lenses, resulting in both focused illumination on the road and in an individual's eyes. This can occur due to misalignment of the lamps or variations in terrain levels, such as driving over a hill or speed bump.

This dazzling effect is particularly pronounced at night. Retinal cells adapt to low light conditions, becoming more sensitive to enhance night vision. When a bright light source enters the eyes, it can cause temporary blindness lasting up to six seconds, covering a distance of 180 meters at speeds exceeding 96 kilometers per hour.

In the Netherlands, a study conducted in early 2024 by the ANWB revealed that 78% of over 13,000 participants are regularly or always dazzled by bright headlights. 76% report being dazzled by high beams, 65% by low beams, and 39% even by bicycle lights. This issue raises concerns at the ANWB, which is collaborating with affiliated clubs to engage with automakers regarding headlight adjustments. They are also lobbying the European Commission to consider regulations for safe car lighting.

Until potential regulations are in place, there are steps you can take to minimize dazzle. Adjusting your side and rearview mirrors to anti-glare settings can help. Maintaining a clean windshield is crucial, as a dirty surface scatters light in all directions. Wearing glasses with yellow lenses can also reduce glare, eliminating reflections and luminance, thus mitigating the intense blue opposing light.