Kent motorists among worst affected in the country by 'blinding' LED headlights
Campaigners claim that motorists are struggling more than ever with the growing phenomenon of being dazzled by headlights, despite a transport minister trying to quell road safety fears. Figures reveal dazzling headlights contributed to 216 crashes in 2023, with Kent one of the worst affected areas.
Lilian Greenwood MP responded to a query in Parliament about the Department for Transport's assessment of LED headlight safety, saying the data "does not show any discernible trend to suggest that advances in lighting technology are contributing negatively" to road traffic incidents.
The AA, on the other hand, has heard from its members that LED lights are among the issues causing them to be "blinded" while behind the wheel, as stated by President Edmund King. Graeme Downie, a Labour MP, voiced concerns in Parliament that some motorists might be oblivious to how their own vehicle's headlight settings can affect other drivers.
READ MORE: Kent death and funeral notices pay tribute to 'much-loved grandma'
READ MORE: 'I thought I found a pile of leaflets on the floor, but it was £3,500'
It's been reported that dazzling headlights were cited as a factor in 216 road incidents in 2023 alone, with Kent and Surrey the worst affected areas in the country, recording 11 collisions where blinding headlights were a contributing factor.
Although there has been a slight increase from 211 cases in the previous year, it is a noticeable decline from the highs of 315 in 2017 and 309 ten years ago. Later this year, independent research analysing the impact of headlight glare will be made public by the Government.
Mr King said: "Our own research shows it is an issue for some drivers with three quarters saying they have been blinded by oncoming headlights. Our members tell us that they are feeling the strain of brighter headlights more than ever before, as well as brighter brake and traffic lights. Conversely, they also say brighter lights enhance road safety.
"The problem seems to be LED lights on higher vehicles such as SUVs. The Government-sponsored investigation into the use of LED lights on our roads should help clarify this issue further, as well as provide appropriate measures where needed.
"I have heard from constituents, as well as from family and friends and my own experience driving round the constituency that cars with newer LED lights can be blinding for other road users. While they might illuminate the road well for the driver, they dazzle in the eyes of other road users and could be dangerous.
"In addition, technology such as automatic beam control that is more common means some drivers are less aware of the impact their own lighting might have on others. The safety of individual drivers cannot be at the expense of other road users and pedestrians. I am glad this is something the Government is now looking at and I look forward to the results and what action can be taken to improve road safety.
"Few issues we deal with have triggered quite as much of a reaction among drivers as the brightness of headlights. It's clear that, for a proportion of the driving public, glare affects them profoundly on the roads at night. But while the frustration is evident, the causes of the problem and what can be done about it are much less clear. That's why the Government-funded project is so important."
In a written response to Mr Downie, Ms Greenwood, who is Parliamentary under-secretary for Department for Transport, said: "National collision statistics, which can record headlamp dazzle as a contributory factor, do not show any discernible trend to suggest that advances in lighting technology are contributing negatively to road vehicle collisions.
"However, noting increased public concern, Government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes of headlamp glare and develop potential countermeasures. This work is under way and is due to deliver in summer 2025."
Never get stuck in a jam again with our FREE traffic and travel email for KentLive readers. Find out more here.