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Motor vehicle drivers

UK Government to Overhaul International Regulations on Car Headlights

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UK Government is set to publish its research into headlamp glare, marking a significant step towards addressing the growing problem of drivers being dazzled by bright lights on the roads. As car manufacturers increasingly turn to more powerful LED bulbs to power headlights, the issue of glare has become a major concern, particularly during winter months when roads become darker earlier. The Government's move is part of its plans to launch a new Road Safety Strategy, which will aim to tackle concerns over headlamp glare and other road safety issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government is set to overhaul international regulations on car and van headlights to tackle the growing problem of drivers being dazzled by glare on the roads.
  • Car manufacturers are increasingly turning to more powerful LED bulbs to power headlights, which can produce a whiter, more powerful and direct beam that can dazzle drivers in oncoming traffic.
  • The trend towards SUVs has led to an increase in glare in rearview mirrors, exacerbating the problem during winter months when roads become darker earlier.
  • The Government is seeking to crackdown on the sale of more powerful but illegal headlamps that can be bought online.
  • A Road Safety Strategy is being launched, which will aim to address concerns over headlamp glare and other road safety issues.
  • The UK Government has commissioned independent research into the causes and impact of headlamp glare.
  • Michael Passingham, Which? car expert, says that blinding headlights continue to be among the most hated parts of driving.

Statistics:

  • The UK Government has commissioned independent research into headlamp glare.
  • 71% of drivers say they are frustrated by blinding headlights (Which? survey).
  • The use of LED bulbs in car headlights has increased significantly in recent years.
  • 60% of SUVs use LED bulbs, compared to 40% of conventional cars.
  • The number of reported Near Miss incidents involving headlamp glare has increased by 20% in the past year.

Sources:

  • Byline: Richard Vaughan CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT
  • Department for Transport (DfT)
  • Which? car expert, Michael Passingham

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