Comprehensive new RAC research supported by the College of Optometrists has found that 57 per cent of drivers who are dazzled by headlights say the problem has worsened over the last 12 months.
The latest research saw 1,745 regular UK drivers surveyed in January 2026, with 94 per cent of respondents saying they “get dazzled by the headlights of oncoming vehicles while driving”. Sixty-two per cent said they were dazzled occasionally, and 32 per cent said it was a regular occurrence.
Sixty-three per cent of respondents said they were subjected to dazzle from vehicles behind them, which they couldn’t avoid, and 33 per cent of those who were dazzled said they felt less safe when driving at night.
A quarter of respondents (25 per cent) who found headlights too bright were either driving less at night or had given up altogether. For drivers aged under 35, the figure was 33 per cent, and for those aged 75 and over the figure was 43 per cent. Across all age groups, 16 per cent wished they could drive less at night but said they had no choice not to.
Of those who were driving less at night as a result of headlight glare, 78 per cent said it was because they found driving more difficult or uncomfortable, while 45 per cent said it was because it made them feel unsafe behind the wheel.
The research also highlighted the impact of driving less (or stopping) at night on people’s lives, with 58 per cent saying their social life had been impacted.
Fifty-one per cent of respondents who were dazzled said they struggled to spot hazards or see road markings or signs as a result, while 42 per cent said they couldn’t confidently judge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles. A quarter (25 per cent) said they’ve been temporarily blinded.
Thirty-nine per cent of those affected said they had to look away from the road when they’re dazzled, while 24 per cent covered their wing mirrors with their hands while driving to block out the glare from vehicles behind. Around eight per cent said they had talked to their optometrist about the problem.
The RAC asked drivers about how their current vehicle’s headlights differed from their last. Of those who said their latest vehicle had brighter headlights, 49 per cent said they felt safer as a result.
The majority of respondents (87 per cent) were supportive of the government’s plan to conduct more research into the issue, and the same proportion wanted to see how existing headlight regulations could be amended to improve the situation.
Denise Voon, clinical advisor at the College of Optometrists, said: “These figures show the widespread impact that headlight glare is having on drivers’ vision and road safety. We encourage drivers of vehicles with adaptive driving beam systems to make sure they know how to dip the headlights manually, as these don’t always pick up oncoming cars, cyclists and pedestrians early enough. Drivers can also take steps to minimise the impact of headlight glare by always wearing their prescription glasses if they have them for driving and ensuring they’re up-to-date, clean and smudge-free. Make sure to go for regular eye tests, around every two years, to ensure you can see as well as possible when driving and your eyes are healthy.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Headlight glare is a complicated area and there’s sadly no simple ‘fix’ that will eradicate it. But for the first time ever there is now a concerted effort – both in the UK and internationally – to tackle it.”
Max Halford, ABDO clinical and policy director, said: “The RAC’s latest findings reflect what our members are increasingly hearing from patients – that headlight glare is becoming both a road safety and mobility issue, particularly for younger and older drivers. Dispensing opticians frequently hear from patients who struggle to drive at night because modern headlights can feel overwhelmingly bright. For some, the glare is severe enough that they avoid night time driving altogether, which can leave them feeling cut off from everyday activities.
“Further research into this issue would be welcomed by many, especially if it leads to improvements in headlight design and clearer guidance to support drivers. In the meantime, there are spectacle-based options that may help reduce discomfort. Anyone experiencing problems with headlight glare is encouraged to speak with their dispensing optician, who are well placed to support drivers of all ages with optimised spectacle solutions and practical advice, helping to improve visual comfort, confidence and safety both on and off the road.”
Read more about the research on the College of Optometrists’ website.