6 in 10 Drivers Struggle with Headlight Glare says new AAA Survey
It’s not just you – the new headlights on cars are bothering a majority of drivers on the road at night, according to a new AAA Survey. While six in 10 drivers report that glare from headlights is a problem when driving after dark, nearly three-quarters of those affected said the issue has worsened over the past decade.
“Several factors, including new headlight technologies and taller vehicle design, are contributing to growing driver frustration with headlight glare,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “The reality is that vehicle lighting technology has evolved faster than regulations. And while adaptive driving beam headlights — which automatically dim the high-beam when another vehicle approaches — are now permitted in the U.S., they are not yet available in mainstream vehicles.”
Oncoming Headlights Identified as Primary Source
A majority of drivers (92%) who experience glare attribute it primarily to oncoming headlights. Approximately one-third of respondents also reported glare issues from headlights reflected in rearview or side mirrors.
Differences Across Driver Groups
As for the type of drivers affected, AAA’s findings highlight the following variations in glare experiences:
- Drivers who wear prescription glasses report higher rates of glare (70%) compared to those who do not (56%).
- Pickup truck drivers are less likely to report glare (41%) than drivers of other vehicle types (66%).
- Female drivers report glare more frequently (70%) than male drivers (57%).
- Only 9% of nighttime drivers report installing aftermarket LED headlights.
Interestingly, however, the survey found no statistically significant relationship between glare complaints and driver age or height.
Recommendations to Address Glare
AAA recommends several measures for drivers to reduce glare and improve nighttime visibility:
- Ensure headlights are clean, fully functional, and consistent with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.
- Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights.
- Seek professional inspection and alignment services, as misaligned headlights can impair visibility for both the driver and others on the road.
Adaptive Headlight Technology Highlighted
AAA also pointed to adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights as a potential solution. Prior AAA research found that European vehicles equipped with ADB technology increased roadway lighting by as much as 86% compared to U.S. low-beam headlights.
