Why Headlight Glare At Night Is Getting Worse For Most Drivers

To enhance night driving visibility, I installed aftermarket LED headlights. But I made sure to align them correctly to avoid blinding other drivers.

However, a recent study shows that some new car manufacturers are installing headlights that produce excessive glare on the road.

A recent study shows an increase in headlight glare incidents in Massachusetts.

A recent AAA survey indicates that 60% of drivers encounter headlight glare during nighttime driving.

The survey shows that 92% of people experiencing glare point to oncoming headlights as the main cause. About one-third of drivers also report glare reflected in their mirrors. Nearly 75% of those affected say the issue has become more severe in the last decade.

Causes of Headlight Glare

AAA Northeast states that advances in headlight technology and taller vehicle designs contribute to increased driver frustration. Mark Schieldrop, a senior spokesperson, pointed out a disconnect between these technological advancements and the slower pace of government regulation.

“Several factors, including new headlight technologies and taller vehicle design, are contributing to growing driver frustration with headlight glare. The reality is that vehicle lighting technology has evolved faster than regulations. And while adaptive driving beam headlights — which automatically dim the high-beam when another vehicle approaches — are now permitted in the U.S., they are not yet available in mainstream vehicles.” - Mark Schieldrop

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Drivers' perception of glare

The survey found that personal traits and vehicle types influence driver perceptions of glare. For example, 70% of drivers wearing prescription glasses reported glare, compared to 56% of those not wearing glasses. Moreover, female drivers reported glare more often, with 70% experiencing it versus 57% for male drivers.

Vehicle design influenced the results. Pickup truck drivers reported glare at 41%, compared to 66% of drivers of other vehicles. The survey also revealed that just 9% of nighttime drivers have aftermarket LED headlights. Moreover, the data indicated that neither driver age nor height greatly impacted the chance of experiencing glare.

Ways for new car manufacturers to enhance technology and minimize glare.

Research from AAA indicates that adaptive driving beam technology has the potential to enhance nighttime visibility. Earlier studies showed that European vehicles with these systems could boost road illumination by as much as 86% compared to U.S. low-beam headlights. Although U.S. regulations now allow these systems, they are not yet widely accessible in mainstream markets.

To minimize glare, AAA recommends drivers keep their headlights clean, ensure they work properly, and use the original manufacturer’s design. Drivers should also avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights to stay visible. A professional auto repair inspection can assess whether headlights need realignment, as improper alignment can decrease visibility for everyone on the road.

Does Toothpaste Really Clean Your Vehicle's Foggy Headlights? [Life Hack Test]

According to Carhop.com, cloudy headlights are a relatively modern issue. Originally, car manufacturers used glass domes for the front of their headlights until sometime in the 1980s when they switched to "polycarbonate or plastic" I assume because it was cheaper. Unlike glass, plastic is more susceptible to oxidation which is caused by the UV light created naturally by the sun. Dust, debris, and road grime also contribute to clouding up your lights.

They also say toothpaste can be used to clear that cloudiness thanks to the same mild abrasives that also remove plaque and other gunk from your mouth. As someone who has to see it or try it before I believe it, I decided to give it a shot by following their steps and seeing for myself if they were right.

Gallery Credit: Ryan O'Bryan