Drivers Say Modern LED Headlights Are Blinding — And 90% Agree They’re a Danger

If you have ever driven a car at night, you most probably have encountered being face-to-face in a stoplight with a car that has modern LED headlights. You also, just like a lot of driver, probably think that their lights are too bright and blinding.

A Modern Safety Concern No One Saw Coming

We get it, modern LED headlights are supposed to make the road safer by giving more visibility to drivers at night. However, for many, it has become a danger on the road.

Most drivers now according to a few surveys, say that they feel that today’s car headlights are too bright, and are a source of glare and discomfort. It is starting to affect how people drive at night, and is resulting in a lot of complaints and some instances, accidents.

What the Numbers Really Say

Blinded by the light? New LED headlights are extremely bright

Almost 90% of Drivers Think LED Headlights Are Too Bright

A survey of 2000 drivers suggested that about 89% think that the car LED headlights of today are too bright. Some studies also tell us that it might be because of the positioning of the headlights being higher, such as in SUVs and trucks.

To Know More: ITV.com

Complaints to Transport Authorities Are Rising

Government agencies such as the NHTSA, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, have recorded significant increases in complaints about headlight glare over the last 5 years. The spike is several times of normal amount, suggesting that more drivers are suffering glare than usual.

To Know More: Nighttime Glare and Driving Performance: Research Findings

Why LED Headlights Feel So Harsh

Brighter, Yes — But Not Always Better

LED headlights are often more harsh to other drivers’ eyes because they emit whiter-blueish light and a more intense beam than halogen bulbs, the yellow ones. There is no denying, though, that it provides a better view at night for the driver behind the wheel, but is it worth it overall for everyone?

Poor Headlight Angles Make It Worse

As mentioned above, studies can also show that misaligned headlights, such as those positioned higher in the car, can be exactly aligned where the eyes of sedan drivers are. This is the case for a lot of SUVs and pick-up trucks whose headlights sit higher than normal.

Are There Any Solutions in Sight?

Adaptive Lighting Could Help — But It’s Rare

One of the best solutions would be automation, where the lights can automatically dim or redirect their beams away from being directly of other drivers. Some luxury brands have already introduced this feature; however, it might take some time before the other household brands catch up.

Regulations Are Still Catching Up

The United States actually only approved adaptive lighting back in 2022, and it will still take some time before most cars on the road can avoid causing glare to other drivers.

Blinding headlights are growing problem on US roads

Author's Final Thoughts

It is very clear that LED headlights offer a clear advantage, such as being able to see more at night, which is crucial for drivers. However, we also have to take into account their possible disadvantages, such as causing glare to others, which might result in an accident.

The solution today is not clear, but it is possible with more time, progression in our technology, and human ingenuity. For now, some states in the US and provinces in Canada suggest looking at the right edge of the roadway or slightly below, as long as you can still see the road and are aware of your surroundings. Just don’t look directly at the bright headlights. This will help avoid the glare.

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