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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think some headlights nowadays are TOO bright?

201 replies

JammyGem · 04/12/2019 18:01

Does anyone else find that a lot of headlights on newer cars are too bright and just blind you? I used to just have a problem with those blue tinged ones that blinded me, but now it's more and more. Driving home tonight both DH and I were having trouble because the cat behind us had such bright lights. It also seems to be more cars have their lights angled right upwards too.

I get it's better for the drivers of those cars, but surely it must cause accidents when others are dazzled by them? Or AIBU and need to get my eyes looked at?

OP posts:
Smidge001 · 04/12/2019 20:28

Yanbu. I totally agree. I'm sure it must cause more accidents than it saves. I feel blinded and can't see for several seconds as they drive towards me.

BreconBeBuggered · 04/12/2019 20:31

Yes, it's horrible and getting worse. I used to be able to avoid being dazzled by looking briefly towards the left as the offending vehicle went past me, but now I live rurally and it seems every other car following me at night will be glaring bright lights into my rear view mirrors.

JenniferM1989 · 04/12/2019 20:31

Totally agree with you. Cars up to maybe 2015/2016 have a slight yellow tinge to them and they're fine but these newer cars have white/blue lights and they blind you badly on the road. We were just speaking about this the other day

ThursdayLastWeek · 04/12/2019 20:31

I have no idea!

danni0509 · 04/12/2019 20:33

Yes I agree I won't drive on a night and I'm very fast being put off driving in the day at the min due to the low sun and that's with wearing polarised sunglasses.

Might just get myself a bus ticket!

Pateontheback · 04/12/2019 20:33

I agree with you @Stupiddriver1, if I’m driving down a country road I feel there’s no light at all coming off my lights.

dinosaurcookie · 04/12/2019 20:38

I get dreadful glare so every time I drive at night I feel I'm taking my life in my hands. I avoid if possible.

Yellredder · 04/12/2019 20:42

I struggle with night driving nowadays because of too bright headlights. I don't understand why they are so flipping blindingly bright.

brimfullofasha · 04/12/2019 20:42

YANBU. I also hate driving at night because of this.

Fandoozle1 · 04/12/2019 20:43

I thought I was being paranoid - glad I’m not the only one that finds this a problem!

Yanbu

Clymene · 04/12/2019 20:43

This man set up a campaign in 2011! www.lightmare.org/

Doesn't seem to have had much impact because it's definitely getting worse

MrsFogi · 04/12/2019 20:48

It's the new LED lights (on any new cars not just the 4x4s) that are the issue - they really create a glare. I particularly notice that Audis seem to be the worst.
I'm amazed there aren't lots of accidents caused by people being blinded by them.

shiveringsparklingtimber · 04/12/2019 20:51

Yes. Hate driving in the dark.

LizzyDarcy1 · 04/12/2019 20:54

I've often thought that headlights have generally got brighter lately! It's really noticeable driving home from work in the dark on the motorway - most days there are some dazzling lights in my mirrors.

Maybe someone should start a petition to get it sorted?

Iwantacookie · 04/12/2019 21:11

Does anyone know why all the cars suddenly now seem to come with lasers for headlights?
They give me a headache too.

Hingeandbracket · 04/12/2019 21:19

Does anyone know why all the cars suddenly now seem to come with lasers for headlights?
Fashion and EU rules.

onlyjustme · 04/12/2019 21:25

Me too!
Last winter I put my own lights on full beam to alert the blinding vehicle coming towards me that I was there and would quite like to see so could he (or she) please turn off their full beam. Angry
They weren't on full beam. They put their full beam on (fair enough - I had done that to them). Shock I thought I was being dazzled before... so now I just squint a bit and hope for the best in case it happens again. Blush

Hingeandbracket · 04/12/2019 21:27

The UK tried to make it’s own rules about headlights (dim dip) in 1985, but the EU took us to Court and told us to stop it.

onlyjustme · 04/12/2019 21:29

Also... new street lights with LED...
I can't tell the difference now between street lights and cars. It used to be really obvious which was which but now it's not.

And... outdoor Christmas decorations. Some of those are dazzling too. And not in a good way!

singymummy · 04/12/2019 22:17

Yes!!! I constantly think people have there beams on!! Drives me crackers

in2dagroove · 04/12/2019 22:17

Yes I also thought it was just me. It's so dangerous I hate driving at night

ClementineWardobe · 04/12/2019 22:20

It's because they have xenon bulbs. I have a pair of clip on glasses for my specs, they're yellow tinted to reduce glare. Definitely get some for night driving.

scorpido · 04/12/2019 22:22

Sorry! I drive a new mini with LED headlights and they're bloody blinding no matter what I do to decrease this

ClementineWardobe · 04/12/2019 22:22

www.laramyk.com/resources/education/dispensing/the-dangers-of-night-driving-glasses/
However apparently I shouldn't!

NorthernNic · 04/12/2019 22:29

YANBU I agree. As others have already mentioned if the dazzling headlights are on the car behind you then flip your rear view mirror up.

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