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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?

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Iknitjumpers · 20/12/2024 18:26

Mischance · 20/12/2024 10:41

I wrote to my MP and got this reply:

"As you know, the Government has commissioned a project to assess headlight glare and what measures may be needed to address this, which is already under way.
The Transport Research Foundation’s subsidiary, the TRL is undertaking research into headlight glare and running practical trials from October 2024 to Spring 2025 to assess the conditions that drivers complain of as glare from the headlights of oncoming vehicles – particularly at night.
TRL will be working with the Department for Transport (DfT) to understand the factors that can cause headlight glare including factors such as surrounding vehicles, weather conditions, and ambient lighting to develop a thorough understanding of the circumstances that lead to high brightness levels and glare.
Additionally, a review of scientific literature and consultations with various stakeholders will be conducted to ensure the project provides a comprehensive understanding of the topic, ultimately generating actionable recommendations for the DfT to present in international working groups addressing this issue."

In summary - don't expect anything to happen any time soon!!

And in english? 🤣🤣

Bettergetthebunker · 21/12/2024 09:49

shockeditellyou · 17/12/2024 07:04

And bloody useless if you are a pedestrian or cyclist being dazzled….

Well not really as it detects both of those as well.
”Adaptive High BeamsHigh beams now adapt to reduce glare for other drivers and cyclists.By detecting other road users, and selectively dimming individual pixels of the headlight, your high beams stay on more often for greater visibility at night.To turn them on, in your vehicle settings go to Lights > Adaptive High Beams.”

Tesla of course but what they use and it’s very good at this because of the ability to scan objects (bins, people, bikes, cars) others will follow.

Angrymum22 · 23/12/2024 00:20

I was driving last night and did a quick survey of cars approaching. The LED lights were whiter but caused less glare and halo than the older yellower lights. I think that the xenon lights are probably the brightest and worst and have been pretty much replaced by LED lights on newer cars. LED is easier to selectively dim. And is a cooler light than the single bulb headlights.
My lights are fantastic for spotting cyclists and pedestrians and the wildlife that often uses our local roads. We have a lot of deer locally along with horses, cows and sheep. I know a number of people who have had serious accidents involving wildlife. Being able to see them earlier is a distinct advantage.

DuesToTheDirt · 23/12/2024 20:11

I got a bulb replaced at Halfords yesterday. They had a sign up by the tills advertising bulbs that were 2x brighter than normal bulbs - really, who needs that? As for the deer, cows, sheep, horses, is that not going to be in areas with no streetlights, where you can use full beam? (Though I'm surprised if horses, presumably ridden, are out in the dark).

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