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The history of car headlights is fascinating. Originally acetylene and oil lamps, they developed to halogen bulbs and from there to the dazzling LED (Light Emitting Diode) and HID (High-Intensity Discharge) technologies around today.
The changes and developments were based around improving driver visibility and safety. However, controversy dampens their success due to the increased glare caused by these high-intensity LEDs which can temporarily blind oncoming drivers or those in lower vehicles.
LED headlights have huge benefits - they consume significantly less energy than traditional halogen bulbs, they possess a considerably longer lifespan (incredibly they quite often outlast the vehicle they are fitted in!) and their beam mimics natural daylight enhancing driver visibility.
However this technology has its challenges. LED headlights seem to produce intense glare which is a key issue for drivers. This is especially a problem if misaligned or installed in larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks where they appear at eye level to drivers in smaller vehicles. This glare effect, temporarily blinds other drivers thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
The debate over the problems caused by these ultra-bright headlights occupies many public forums and social media such as Tik Tok and the like. Discussions around why car headlights have suddenly become so much brighter and how people feel it impacts their safety when driving. People literally saying ‘I can’t see a thing…’ when driving at night and into oncoming traffic. People are calling for a re-evaluation of the standards surrounding headlight brightness.
While this debate forges on, here are some key tips to help protect you if you are affected by bright headlights when driving at night:
Your rear-view and side mirrors can be adjusted to significantly reduce glare from headlights behind you. The rear-view particularly can be set in most cars to an ‘anti-glare’ position for night time driving helping to dim the reflection of the lights without compromising visibility.
Try to avoid looking directly at the headlights of oncoming cars if they are too bright. Instead, focus on the white or yellow lines on the side of the road to help maintain your line until the vehicle passes.
The glare from headlights can be made considerably worse by a dirty windscreen making it more difficult to see. Make sure you keep it clean inside and out and free of streaks or smudges. Also it’s useful to regularly check your wiper blades for wear and replace them if necessary.
These can help reduce the brightness of LED lights. Make sure however you don’t choose glasses that distort colours or reduce visibility.
Check your own headlights to ensure they are correctly adjusted to not cause glare for other drivers. If they are too high then they can blind other road users. Consult your manual or a professional to adjust them properly.
When driving behind a vehicle with bright LED tail lights increase your following distance. As well as reducing the intensity of the lights this will allow more time to react if they suddenly stop.
If you are affected by bright LED lights when driving at night, try adopting the techniques we have highlighted here thereby protecting yourself from the impact of the glare they can cause.
Meanwhile some collaboration between manufacturers, regulators and drivers to find an approach to headlights that maintains visibility without compromising safety is needed.
