The government has commissioned much needed research into the causes of night-time headlight glare, after campaigning involving the College of Optometrists among others.
The College spearheaded the lobbying on behalf of the optical sector, in collaboration with colleagues from the RAC, and supported by member of the House of Lords, Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town.
Headlight glare is a modern-day problem that is resulting in many drivers, particularly older drivers, refraining from driving in the dark due to safety concerns.
In fact, a 2023 survey commissioned by the College of Optometrists found that 76% of UK drivers found night-time headlight glare to be a problem when driving, so a commitment from the previous government to commission research into determining the exact causes was welcome.
It is thought that the introduction in recent years of brighter LED headlamps, and the increasing number of larger SUV-type vehicles on the road, combine to help create uncomfortable glare from oncoming traffic at night. The headlights on SUVs are higher up than on smaller vehicles, which means they can shine directly into the eyes of an oncoming driver.
We need to fully understand all the factors that cause glare though, and that requires the support of central policy makers and funding.
A change of government so soon after the original pledge was made was cause for concern, but the College and our colleagues in other sectors continued to keep this issue on the public radar, appearing regularly in national media and trade media outlets. This has meant that the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe continued to look seriously at the issue, and the new UK government made a sage decision in picking up the baton of the previous administration and commissioning this much needed research.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has commissioned TRL to undertake initial research to understand the factors that can cause glare, and how to address them.
Established in 1933, TRL was originally formed as the UK government’s Road Research Laboratory. Comprising a team of scientists, engineers and other specialists, they conduct research into infrastructure, vehicles and human behaviours to enable safer, cleaner, more efficient transport.
In a project that will run from October 2024 into the Spring of 2025, TRL will instrument a car and use it to measure light levels experienced by drivers during real driving on UK roads. Factors such as the vehicles around the instrumented car, weather conditions and ambient lighting will also be measured, to build a complete understanding of the conditions that are most likely to give rise to high brightness levels, and glare.
A review of scientific evidence and engagement with a range of stakeholders, including the College of Optometrists, will also be undertaken, to make sure that the project builds a comprehensive understanding of the topic and generates actionable recommendations for the Department for Transport to take forward in international working groups related to the issue.
Mike Bowen is Director of Research at the College of Optometrists. He said: "Having been an important and instrumental voice in bringing about this decision by the Department for Transport, The College is pleased to see TRL now working with Government to further investigate the questions relating to headlight glare. We look forward to supporting TRL in the future, as this research progresses and seeing the eventual results of the project which will inform and the support the motoring industry in making vehicles safer for all road users at night."
RAC road safety spokesperson, Rod Dennis adds: “We’re pleased to be contributing to this important piece of work that we very much hope will get to the bottom of the glare issue experienced by so many drivers up and down the country. Our own long-term research shows that a significant proportion of the driving population struggle with dazzle, with some people reducing how much they drive, or even giving up driving at night altogether. Understanding what’s causing these problems, and most importantly what can be done about them in the future, will be a huge step forward for drivers.”
