Older motorists could see new driving law changes to tackle headlight glare - 'Extremely important'
Elderly drivers are found to be more at risk of being dazzled by bright headlights
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Road safety experts have backed an announcement from the Government that it will look into issues relating to headlight glare after research found older motorists were "disproportionately affected".
As the winter closes in on the UK, nights will get longer, meaning more drivers could be dazzled by glare from headlights and potentially cause dangerous situations for all road users.
A recent study found that 85 per cent of drivers said they were impacted by headlight glare, with nine in 10 saying they are too bright and that the issue is getting worse.
In a bid to resolve the issue, Greg Smith MP, who has been vocal about the motoring industry in the past, asked whether the Government would plan to fund independent research into the potential safety implications of headlight glare.
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The Department for Transport confirmed it was researching the issue of headlight glare
PASpeaking in Parliament on Thursday, Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads at the Department for Transport, clarified that the DfT plans to look into the issue.
The MP for Nottingham South said: "The Government is in the process of commissioning independent research to better understand the root causes of headlamp glare and help identify potential countermeasures."
The RAC has heavily backed this issue, saying it was "delighted" to see a commitment made to address it, especially at a time when the days are getting shorter.
Rod Dennis, road safety spokesperson for the RAC, said: "We hope it leads to a better understanding of what is a complex problem, but one that is undoubtedly affecting drivers up and down the country.
"In fact, more drivers have contacted us with their concerns about this topic than any other in recent times.
"We’ve worked hard over a number of years to raise this topic on drivers’ behalf and now look forward to supporting the Department for Transport in this piece of work."
Experts have suggested that the rise in issues with car headlights is a result of new cars being fitted with brighter, LED headlights which give off a much more intense light.
The focused beam from the LED also creates issues as the human eye reacts differently to these lights compared to a conventional "yellow" halogen bulb.
Mike Bowen, director of knowledge and research at the College of Optometrists, previously warned that concerns around headlight glare could be worse for older drivers.
They are likely to be "disproportionately affected" by glare, leading them to face further difficulties, or even deciding to avoid roads at night, prompting Bowen to urge the Government to launch an investigation.
The RAC research also found that "higher" and larger cars like SUVs, which are more common on roads now, dazzle other vehicles more often as six in 10 say they cause issues.
Baroness Dianne Hayter said: “For anyone who suffers from headlight glare and wonders what is being done about it, this will be a very welcome announcement.
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The majority of drivers said they have been dazzled by bright headlights
GETTY"We know some drivers have stopped driving at night, and we know concern about dazzle isn’t only felt by drivers in the UK but further afield as well.
"Getting to the bottom of these issues and deciding a way forward is extremely important.”