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Original poster

Anyone else blinded by these new headlights when driving?

204 replies

Totallybannanas · 16/12/2024 19:05

Am I the only one struggling with how bright car headlights have become? I’ve been avoiding driving at night for a while now because of it, but I don’t remember them being this intense in the past. Every car I pass feels like it’s on full beams, and I end up feeling completely blinded. I know my astigmatism makes it worse, but I recently had an eye test and wear corrective glasses. Tonight, I had to make a journey I couldn’t avoid, and I found myself driving at 40mph in a 60mph zone because the car behind me was tailgating and their lights were so dazzling. I eventually pulled over to let them pass. Does anyone else deal with this?

OP posts:
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Topseyt123 · 16/12/2024 22:47

I struggle with this too and have for some years now. I now actively avoid driving at night. I just end up dazzled and feel blinded.

Circumferences · 16/12/2024 22:41

^ oh, I see it's been shared.

Great people are aware of this

Circumferences · 16/12/2024 22:40

Here's a petition about it!

www.mumsnet.com/talk/petitions_noticeboard/5224147-5224147-dangerous-car-headlights-please-sign

Sausagenbacon · 16/12/2024 22:37

Thanks for the link, have signed.

Himawarigirl · 16/12/2024 21:53

Yes. I had someone flash their lights at me the other day to say thank you for letting them pass and I wished they hadn’t, it was so bright!

JoanThursday · 16/12/2024 21:50

I don't drive but I do cycle everywhere. I didn't used to mind cycling in the dark but i hate it now. The roads are darker and the headlights are much brighter. And being another one with astigmatism, I find it very disorientating. Petition signed!

Wurlywurly · 16/12/2024 21:43

It doesn't help that so many people tailgate these days. It drives me mad. Especially if you're in heavy traffic and can't go any faster but some wander drives a metre away from your bumper.

NRTFT · 16/12/2024 21:37

I've driven all over the country for 30 years and always felt safe.

I don't feel safe driving at night any longer.

In fact I feel like I could crash any second.

It's really, really, really fucking dangerous and something should be done.

i'd be interested to know how many crashes are attributed to being blinded by oncoming traffic nowadays.

Thanks for the petition @Sunshineandrainbow - that picture is really quite accurate (except you can't see the actual road in real life)
Signed

ChristmasEveNotChristmasSteve · 16/12/2024 21:36

Bushmillsbabe · 16/12/2024 19:21

I think part of the problem is the number of SUV's, their lights are often at drivers eye level if driving a standard car. They could easily adjust them to point downwards but sometimes it seems that the competence of a driver is inversely proportional to the size of the car 😂

Yep. SUVs and LEDs 👎

jimmyhill · 16/12/2024 21:32

YouveGotAFastCar · 16/12/2024 19:11

We used to, but we’ve just upgraded the car and it’s miles better now.

Do you mean now you have a car with bright LED lights and it makes the other ones not so dazzling?

I've been wondering if this is the way ahead for me because honestly, the Department for Transport isn't going to do anything about it. I want to go down the garage and get the brightest dazzlingest beams fitted

Talkinpeace · 16/12/2024 21:31

OneOfLittleConsequence · 16/12/2024 21:28

Are you ‘looking off’ when you drive or straight ahead? You need to look towards the pavement on the passenger side. You’ll still see where you’re going but it means you won’t be blinded by oncoming traffic.

I have no idea when they stopped teaching this but no one seems to know it now.

I know it.
No use against blue LED lights.
The peripheral dazzle is killer.

I am considering giving up night driving because of it.

DuesToTheDirt · 16/12/2024 21:30

OneOfLittleConsequence · 16/12/2024 21:28

Are you ‘looking off’ when you drive or straight ahead? You need to look towards the pavement on the passenger side. You’ll still see where you’re going but it means you won’t be blinded by oncoming traffic.

I have no idea when they stopped teaching this but no one seems to know it now.

I didn't get taught that. And why should you have to lok at the pavement? I want to look at the road ahead of me.

But apart from the odd person who used full beam and forgot to turn it off, I never had a problem until recent years and the new headlights.

OneOfLittleConsequence · 16/12/2024 21:28

Are you ‘looking off’ when you drive or straight ahead? You need to look towards the pavement on the passenger side. You’ll still see where you’re going but it means you won’t be blinded by oncoming traffic.

I have no idea when they stopped teaching this but no one seems to know it now.

DuesToTheDirt · 16/12/2024 21:27

Yes, pretty much everybody. It's not just a problem for drivers either, as a pedestrian or a cyclist they are terrible as well. I can't fathom why they are allowed.

TenderChicken · 16/12/2024 21:12

The headlights are so bright I struggle to see if cars have their indicator on!

Thelnebriati · 16/12/2024 21:11

I thought I was going night blind and went to ask my optician about it, apparently its just headlights are bright now and street lights aren't, so that was embarrassing.

Clingfilm · 16/12/2024 21:10

Gosh yes, when the clocks changed and I first went out out in the dark I flashed 2 separate people thinking they were on full beam (in a polite you've left your beams on way, rural roads) before realising it was just new cars. Yesterday I was blinded by someone who had parked up on my side of the road but left their lights on, so dangerous

LadyGaGasPokerFace · 16/12/2024 21:05

I hate driving in the dark and I have to do lots of country roads. But when I’m met with those bloody lights, my word, they're blinding.

Londonrach1 · 16/12/2024 21:05

Yes ..I try not to drive at night now.

suburburban · 16/12/2024 21:04

Yes awful.,especially on other side of road if they are stationary in a queue of traffic

Spondoolies · 16/12/2024 21:03

please everyone sign and share the petition

Asuitablecat · 16/12/2024 20:48

Same here. Only I can't avoid driving in the dark because it's dark when I leave for work and dark when I come home. Even worse if I have to drive down the lanes with no road markings.

Crunched · 16/12/2024 20:30

I do agree, but would be interested in the views of 20-something MNetters. When I mention this problem to young colleagues they look blank so I am concerned it may be a 40+ eye issue. Hope I'm wrong.

Thegoatliesdownonbroadway · 16/12/2024 20:28

Wow, I have astigmatism and had no idea that that might be why I struggle with night driving. Cheers, Mumsnet.