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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:
ReallyLoveChickens · 04/12/2019 22:32

Not just you. It’s really starting to piss me off actually.

bumblingbovine49 · 04/12/2019 22:41

My car has a feature that darkens the rear view mirror if it detects lights are too bright. It really helps with the glare.

Doesn't help with oncoming cars though, or with ones reflected in the side mirrors so of limited use.

FlamingoAndJohn · 04/12/2019 22:43

I agree.

My own car however is the opposite.
I rarely drive anywhere that doesn’t have street lighting but when I am on an unlit road at night I can see bugger all.

greathat · 04/12/2019 22:50

So glad I've seen this was starting to think there was something wrong with my eyes. I had to stop the other evening, driving along an unfamiliar road when I was blinded st the same point there were no white markings. I literally had no idea where the road was going

nevergotthehangofthursdays · 04/12/2019 22:57

Nicely timed - I had to drive DD to a neighbouring town last night and did not enjoy the unlit roads with the headlight glare bouncing off the slightly wet road surface. I would also add: fog lamps! The clue is in the name: these are for fog. Not rain. Not dusk. Not even snow. Fog. And even then, only if you're at the front of a line of traffic (for front fog lamps) or the back (for the rear ones). Otherwise you risk dazzling the driver next to you and if it's wet, pretty much the whole world in a 5-mile radius. Angry

Stupiddriver1 · 04/12/2019 23:00

Oh, I just ordered some night driving glasses. Now seen that link saying they’re dangerous. Good reviews though.

I keep having to brake /ease off when cars are coming towards me....like a previous poster I seem to lose track of where the road is/can’t see it. Dread to think what any cars behind think.

I prefer to be behind another car as then I can follow it.

Youseethethingis · 04/12/2019 23:06

Unlit road into our village off the motorway so it’s very busy. I’ve taken to scooching down in my seat to avoid the dazzle from my rear view mirror, although I’m not convinced it’s that much safer an option than dicking about with the mirror while driving or just shutting my eyes Grin
It’s the most astoundingly stupid “progress” when you consider the levels of detail manufactures go to so they can up sell safety features. So the car will tell you to take a break from driving so you don’t get too tired at the same time as it temporarily blinds everyone you come across. Makes sense Hmm

meyouandlulutoo · 04/12/2019 23:06

YANBU. I have avoided driving in the dark for this very reason over the last few years. We live out in the country so most of the roads and lanes around here are unlit and remote with few buildings, making oncoming headlights really startling and blinding.

Opendraw · 04/12/2019 23:07

199% !!

ShinyGiratina · 04/12/2019 23:08

YANBU.

I'm fine with most lights on lit roads, it's adjusting your night vision on an unlit road that is often literally painful. Plus the instability of bumpy road surfaces. Plus the decline of cats eyes and road markings due to poor maintainence. Plus roads are busier than ever so it's often difficult to have a gap in traffic long enough to use full beams. Then a lot of shit smart motorways have stripped out the lighting too.

It's making night driving hard work, and I'm still the youthful side of 40 Confused I quite often end up driving with one hand up on the right side to shield my vision from disruptive light, either on-coming or from the wing mirror.

Bunnyfuller · 04/12/2019 23:09

Completely agree. The combination of a car too close behind and lights oncoming makes me virtually blind! And why fog lights when it’s not fucking foggy? It’s actually illegal due to the glare it makes, but so many people drive with them on.

Stefoscope · 04/12/2019 23:16

Yup, I hate the LED lots of dot lines in a row, the glare is awful. The fridge at my work has this style of lighting and has given me a migraine in a matter of minutes on more than a few occasions. If people use their headlights correctly for the weather conditions there should be no need for this obnoxious lighting.

Becuna · 04/12/2019 23:16

I was moaning about this the other day. I drove down a road with parked cars on both sides and bright lights coming towards me so I couldn't see a thing. I slowed right down but still had to go, it was scared and I hate it.

Clymene · 04/12/2019 23:18

That article says glasses which increase light to the eye are a good thing @ClementineWardobe! I don't want to increase the light to my eyes thanks very much!

Where did you get the yellow lenses from?

friedbeansandcheese · 04/12/2019 23:21

It’s LED lights that are the problem. So bright.

Graymare · 04/12/2019 23:25

Oh yes! Have to drive a fast and unlit road with a number of bends to get back from work I often literally can't see a thing when a car is coming towards me. Luckily I know the road well but am terrified I won't see a cyclist or pedestrian as I am blinded. I also regularly think the car behind me is flashing when it goes over bumps and am then dangerously distracted trying to work out if it is.

ShyteSprite · 04/12/2019 23:27

Hell yes! The imprint of having LED lights burned into your retinas. Why are manufacturers making them like this? For a time I thought people were driving round with their full beams on. I have to screw my eyes up when I see them coming - not good when driving!

CrotchetyQuaver · 04/12/2019 23:45

They are a nightmare. I live in the new forest where we have to be extra careful not to hit the ponies and cows on the roads and it's an absolute nightmare in the dark with one of these behind me. I have an old landrover and the super bright lights on the car behind actually create a big black Land Rover shaped shadow at the front and sides so I have a huge blind spot. I hate it.

pinkginisamazing · 05/12/2019 00:06

Totally agree and glad it's not just me! I've almost crashed after being totally blinded by the fuckers

Legoroses · 05/12/2019 00:09

We need a mumsnet campaign!

BlouseAndSkirt · 05/12/2019 00:15

Oh YES!

And fucking 4x4s right behind you with lights shining directly into your mirror, I HATE them. The other evening I just could not continue driving with then in my rear view mirror and had to pull in and let them overtake.

I put my beam on as they drive past me. (No one else around at all)

BlouseAndSkirt · 05/12/2019 00:20

“It's the new LED lights (on any new cars not just the 4x4s) that are the issue”

Yes, but if you are in a ‘normal ‘ height car the lights if a 4x4 shine directly in your mirror so the impact is worse.

ClementineWardobe · 05/12/2019 05:39

@clymene I got mine done in a small local optician, they grind them to the shape of your glasses. I'll check today to see if I can see the brand. I do find them useful in reducing glare but wouldn't want to recommend.That said, I'm surprised by the online advice, I'm afraid that generally looking after your eyes and having an up to date prescription etc just doesn't cut it any more - the headlights are just too bright and bloody dangerous.

ClementineWardobe · 05/12/2019 05:42

And yes you're right, I don't want any more light in my eyes.... I think the optical industry has not caught up!

Juliette20 · 05/12/2019 05:49

Audis are particularly bad for this. But people not having their lights dipped is the main problem.

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