There’s a growing problem of headlights that can blind other drivers, posing a considerable risk on the roads.
Drivers must be careful, and make sure their headlights are correctly adjusted to avoid dazzling other drivers, especially given the increasing use of blue-tint LED bulbs and the popularity of SUVs.
With the government recently committing to launch an investigation into why drivers are being dazzled by other motorists’ headlights, motoring experts at Diesel Emission Claim reveal how to crack down the dangerous issue and prevent dazzling others.
Use low beams
Motorists are advised to use low-beam headlights themselves to reduce the number of drivers who are dazzled by bright lights.
“The use of low-beam headlights can greatly reduce the number of drivers who are dazzled by bright lights, making the roads safer for everyone,” said the experts.
Adjust headlights
It’s crucial to make sure that your headlights are properly aligned so that their position is not too high.
Misaligned headlights can reduce your own visibility while driving, while it also has the potential to blind other drivers, increasing the number of accidents.”
Don’t look directly at oncoming headlights
To avoid being dazzled, drivers should never stare directly into the oncoming headlights of other cars.
You can instead look to the left-hand side of the road and track the white line marking the edge, if there is one, so you can maintain your position.
Slow down at night
If the glare from an oncoming vehicle at night is too problematic, drivers should slow down to reduce the likelihood of a crash.
However, you should avoid slowing down or stopping too abruptly to avoid a collision with a car behind you.
Clear your windscreen
The experts recommend keeping the windscreen clean and clear, as it’s particularly susceptible to steaming up on the inside, especially in cold weather. The experts also noted that car heaters can blow unclean, dirty air at the glass, which causes the accumulation of a hazy film to build up on the inside. All of this can increase glare from oncoming headlights, so make sure to keep your windscreen clean and clear.
Adjust rear-view mirror
Drivers at night should be continually adjusting the rear-view mirror to avoid being dazzled by cars behind them. Many new cars these days have an auto-dimming rear-view mirror function, but if your car doesn’t, then you should make sure to dip your mirror manually.
Consider using anti-glare glasses
Motorists consider using anti-glare glasses, which are simply glasses with a yellow tint, when driving at night, especially if being dazzled by other divers’ headlights is an issue for them. Although they help reduce glare, the experts however warn that they also prove to be risky by making dark parts of the road less visible. If you’re suffering from glare at night and considering using anti-glare glasses, with experts recommending first consulting with an optician for specifically designed glasses that help reduce dazzle caused by oncoming headlights,
Be mindful of the weather
Adverse weather conditions such as fog, rain, and snow can scatter light, reducing visibility on the road and causing temporary blindness while driving. Therefore, the experts recommend exercising caution and adjusting their driving habits for a safe journey.
In conclusion, the experts advise drivers to report vehicles with blinding headlights to law enforcement agencies.
Drivers need to remain vigilant on the roads and be mindful of the potential dangers posed by dazzling headlights, taking proactive steps to mitigate these risks.
If you’re blinded by bright headlights, prioritise safety by reducing speed, avoiding complex manoeuvres, and refraining from pulling out onto the road.
