"Dazzling headlights worth looking into" Headline for a news item seen in the Times today. The Times Posted: 240403 Parked up alongside a Range Rover at Goodwood - the driver's line of sight is near the top edge of the numberplate and into the headlight of the 4x4. Article in The Times today - Government will research headlight glare "It is a scenario all too familiar for many drivers: alone on the road at night, not a soul to be seen, until a car approaches from the opposite direction. Instead of it being a welcome sign, it is often a signal that you are about to be blinded by the headlights of the approaching motorist. Relief may be at hand, however. The government has announced that it will research headlight glare after a petition signed by 10,000 people complained about its impact on drivers. The news follows a long campaign by the RAC. It said that, according to a survey, more than two thirds of drivers have been forced to slow down considerably after being dazzled by the intense beams, while a similar number believed the harsh light could cause accidents. The poll of 2,000 UK drivers found that 89 per cent of drivers think some car headlights are too bright and 85 per cent of drivers believe headlight glare is getting worse. The Department for Transport (DfT) said the research would “better understand the root causes of driver glare and identify any further appropriate mitigations. Official figures shared by the RAC show that since 2013, an average of 280 collisions occur on Britain’s roads every year in which headlight dazzle was a contributory factor. Of these, six a year involve someone being killed." "A rise in the number of cars that sit higher on the road, such as four-wheel drives, and badly aligned headlights are other potential factors." Bright headlights petition The petition launched by Margaret Rutter says "the UK Government should launch a review into the problem of some headlights causing oncoming traffic drivers to be unable to see clearly and safely. The review should be conducted with car manufacturers to find solutions. The RAC raised this issue as far back as 2018 and its recent study showed that nine-in-10 drivers think some or most car headlights on the UK’s roads are too bright. UK Government data shows that there are around 300 collisions every year where dazzling headlights are a factor. The problem has not been dealt with and I feel is getting worse. Nearly every driver I speak to agrees with me that it is a problem for them too.” Posted: 240213 The petition is calling on the Government to launch a review into bright headlights that could impact drivers in oncoming traffic who may be unable to see clearly. This is becoming a particular issue given the increased use of SUVs and other vehicles that sit higher, meaning instances of headlight glare could become more common. Now more cars are also fitted with LED headlights which create a more intense and focused "white" beam rather than the traditional “yellower” colour of the beam from a halogen bulb. Margaret Rutter, the creator of the petition, said the Government review should be conducted with car manufacturers to find a suitable solution to the problem. The text of the petition states: “The problem has not been dealt with and I feel is getting worse. “Nearly every driver I speak to agrees with me that it is a problem for them too.” The petition has already gathered over 7,600 signatures and very soon could approach the 10,000 signature threshold that is required to get the Government to respond. In the event that the petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. Visit the petition website