Nearly all UK drivers said they felt headlights were too bright and that they were dazzled by oncoming vehicles, according to a major study.
The government said last week it would take a closer look at the design of cars and headlamps after concerns about lights dazzling drivers.
A study conducted by the Department for Transport (DfT) found that 97% of those surveyed found that they were regularly or sometimes distracted by oncoming vehicles and 96% thought that most or some of the headlights were too bright.
Dr Shaun Helman, who led the research at the Berkshire-based Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), said it provided “compelling evidence” that light glare is “a real issue for UK drivers”.
The new measures will be included in the Government’s upcoming road safety strategy, which reflects what is becoming a serious problem for road users.
Data from TRL shows that LEDs and white headlamps may be linked to glare and may make it difficult for drivers to deal with their whiteness.
33% of those surveyed said they have either stopped driving or are driving less at night because of the lights, while another 22% said they would like to drive less at night but have no choice.
A total of 1,850 drivers, matching the age and gender breakdown of the country’s license holder population, were surveyed to gather their views.
TRL said LED lights used in vehicles are brighter, more focused and emit more blue light, causing human eyes to struggle more at night.
Rod Dennis, RAC senior policy officer, said: “Having worked hard on this study, we welcome its findings which independently confirm what drivers have been telling us – that rather than being a hypothetical phenomenon, some bright headlights do cause glare problems.
He added: “While drivers clearly benefit from high-performance headlights, it is important that this does not cause glare to others, so a balance needs to be struck.”
Mr Dennis said it was “vital” that the TRL report be “carefully reviewed to put us on the path to changes that will ultimately benefit all road users.”
Dennis Voon, a clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, said the DfT “must take immediate, actionable steps to support drivers and commission more detailed research, particularly into how headlight rules need to change”.