Here at EMR Vehicle Recycling, we know how important your car is. It’s an essential part of daily life, from the work commute to visiting family and friends – but that doesn’t mean it comes without trials and tribulations. Take, for example, headlight glare. Recent research from the RAC seems to suggest that it’s actually becoming more of a problem for UK drivers, so let's take a deeper look.
What is headlight glare?
Headlight glare is the term used to describe what happens when you’re dazzled by another vehicle’s lights while driving. For obvious reasons, it's more common at night and at dusk when the ambient light is lower in the first place, which makes bright headlights all the more disorienting. The RAC’s research reveals that an overwhelming number of motorists find most headlights to be too bright, with the issue affecting road users of all ages. In fact, although older drivers are more likely to deal with vision conditions that make their eyes especially sensitive, the study found that drivers below 35 are the age group most likely to criticise headlights for being too strong.
What problems can bright headlights cause for drivers?
Sometimes, being caught in the beam of another car's headlights might not seem like a major problem. In reality, though, overly-bright headlights go well beyond being simply irritating – they can actually have serious and lasting consequences, from causing injuries to putting people off driving altogether. Here are some ways headlight glare can affect you.
Temporary blindness
This is the big one. According to the RAC study we linked to above, over half of motorists have been temporarily blinded while driving. The study identified an average of 263 collisions every year linked to bright headlights since 2014, and the figure could be even higher. It's evident, a brief loss of sight can have massive consequences for yourself and the people around you.
Driver wellbeing
Headlight glare can also potentially have an effect on your general health. In the RAC study, 17% of motorists claimed that bright headlights make them feel tired, while others reported eye pain, headaches, and even migraines. These issues might seem minor, but it can be easy to underestimate exactly how risky this can make driving. Symptoms like drowsiness, nausea, and increased sensitivity to light can all be particularly dangerous distractions, especially when they crop up in already hazardous driving conditions.
Confidence and convenience
The majority of drivers surveyed admitted that being dazzled by headlights has made driving uncomfortable, with many revealing they feel less safe and confident on the road. This is particularly risky, as being anxious or cautious behind the wheel can lead to potentially dangerous mistakes. Unsurprisingly, the study also shows that people are actually changing their driving habits specifically because of this issue. Five per cent of the drivers in the survey say that they have stopped driving at night altogether, while a quarter claim that they drive less after dark because of bright headlights.
What can you do to minimise the risks associated with headlight glare?
Let’s consider some steps you can take to stay confident when driving and keep the road a safer place for all motorists.
Keep an eye on your headlight alignment
When you’re trying to keep your car running safely, you might think about changing the oil or pumping up the tyres. Making sure your headlights are properly aligned, on the other hand, isn’t something a lot of drivers have ever considered. Widely considered to be a major reason why motorists are dazzled, it’s fortunately something that can be fairly easily remedied by a professional. If you have any concerns about your headlights, it’s always a good idea to have a garage give them a once-over.
Practice defensive driving
It can be easy to underestimate exactly how disorientating your full beam lights are, especially in hazardous conditions, so try and only use them when strictly necessary. Don’t forget to use dipped headlights on left-turning bends and in well-lit areas at night. This is also really important when you’re approaching drivers on the other side of the road or if you’re behind another car.
Consider the weight of your cargo
Though it might not seem obvious right off the bat, your vehicle’s load could be one reason why you might be blinding other drivers with your beams. If your car has a packed boot or multiple passengers, it will be a lot heavier. In these cases, it can have the effect of slanting the car’s headlights upwards, aiming directly into motorists' eyes. If your car doesn’t have automatically levelling headlights, it’s worth manually lowering them when your car is more fully loaded, and avoid dazzling other road users.
Keep eye protection in the car
It almost goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway – never drive without prescribed visual aids like glasses. Regular eye tests can help to ensure that your prescription remains accurate so that your vision is always at its best. If you are really struggling with being dazzled, there are a few other options worth considering, too, like anti-glare glasses. And if bright headlights do end up triggering a headache or migraine, don’t underestimate the impact these ailments can have on your ability to drive safely.
Keep your car clean
Dirt on your car might seem like just a cosmetic problem most of the time, but when it comes to headlight glare, a dirty car can become actively dangerous. For example, debris, smudges, and damage on your windscreen can catch the light and actually make the glare worse, so it’s best to regularly clean your windscreen inside and out. It’s also a good idea to wash the wiper blades and the headlights themselves, too! Lastly, you should make sure you’re tackling windscreen scratches or chips as soon as you notice them by promptly booking a professional repair.
Of course, the older your car, the more maintenance it may need to keep running safely – and eventually, that can end up getting expensive! If you’re thinking the same about your trusty motor, it might be time to think about scrapping your car. Luckily, at EMR Vehicle Recycling, we’re here to help. We make the process straightforward from start to finish, and we always work to get you the best price possible for your car. Simply enter your registration and postcode and get an instant valuation. Selling your car for scrap really is that easy!
