The government has recently announced plans to try and address some of the concerns associated with car headlight flare by bringing in new rule changes. After a massive online outcry resulted in more than 10,000 motorists complaining about the rules, there has been a plan to conduct more research into the issue and change some of the laws to help motorists feel safer and more listened to on the roads. After all, a recent online petition has brought more than 11,400 signatures to the attention of parliament, which has given them cause to investigate.
Online Movement Getting Results
The online movement was enough to cross the threshold and get the issue raised in government, and thus lead to the Department of Transport releasing an update regarding the issue, which was as follows:
“The Government has taken action internationally to address concerns raised about headlamp glare. Recognising the need for further evidence, we intend to commission independent research shortly.”
It shouldn’t come as a massive surprise that there was change being affected. After all, it has recently been revealed through a survey that more than 80% of all drivers feel that the glare from a car headlight is simply too bright to be safe.
91% of drivers admitted to being momentarily blinded and dazzled by the headlights from cars, and a further 74% said that this happened on a regular basis.
Change is on the Way
The Department of Transport released a full statement in addition to the snippet above. It said the following about the situation:
“We know that lots of people raise concerns about headlight glare – but also that the police collision statistics don’t show any underlying road safety issue.
Because of that lack of evidence, the Department for Transport (DfT) raised the issue at the United Nations international expert group on vehicle lighting.
Proposals to amend headlamp aiming rules were agreed in April 2023, together with requirements for mandatory automatic headlamp levelling which automatically corrects the aim of the headlamps based on the loading of the vehicle e.g. when passengers are sat on the back seat or there is luggage in the boot.
The transitional provisions permit sufficient time for vehicle manufacturers to redesign their products and adapt the manufacturing process, with the tighter tolerances expected to come into effect in September 2027.
Once implemented, these tougher requirements will help alleviate the number of cases where road users are dazzled. In addition, the DfT also plans to commission independent research to better understand the root causes of driver glare and identify any further appropriate mitigations.”
A Hopeful Future
Clearly, it is a sign that this is being taken seriously. With any luck, there will be substantial change affected soon that will ultimately benefit drivers. Naturally, we can’t have drivers being incapacitated by lights, so it is important that we try and ensure that people are kept safe from harm and changes are made.