Two new studies suggest drivers being blinded by the glare of LED headlights is becoming worse and hitting their confidence to make journeys in the dark.
More than half of drivers affected by dazzling headlights say the problem is worse this winter compared to last, a new RAC survey shows.
Meanwhile, Vauxhall has found one in 10 motorists now admit they are scared of driving in the dark due to dazzling headlights and poorly lit roads.
Nearly a fifth of the 2,000 drivers polled by the affordable car brand said they now drive less at night than they did 12 months ago.
It comes after the Government was advised to review and update headlight standards to reduce headlight glare.
The recommendation followed a major probe into the cause of driver dazzling, and the findings by TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) concluded that glare can be objectively linked to bright headlights, and to certain road conditions and vehicles.
The study was funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) after growing concern about the perceived dangers of headlights.
How dazzling headlights are impacting daily lives
Both studies show headlight glare is crippling day-to-day activities and routines for drivers.
A quarter of the 1,745 regular drivers who responded to the RAC survey and are finding headlights too bright are either driving less at night or have given up altogether.
Now, 45 per cent of motorists now drive less at night because it makes them feel unsafe behind the wheel.
Across drivers of all age groups, 16 per cent wished they could drive less at night but have no choice not to.
Drivers are reporting that their social lives are being impacted by headlight dazzle with 22% missing social events because of it
Vauxhall found 22 per cent of all drivers have missed social events they needed to travel at night to attend.
Almost three in five told the RAC that their social life has been impacted, while 36 per cent of those driving less at night now have less contact with friends, and a quarter aren't seeing family members as much.
Fifteen per cent find it harder to attend important events like healthcare appointments as they struggle to drive in the dark.
And 61 per cent of drivers said to Vauxhall they will drive a longer route to avoid a poorly lit road, which adds time onto journeys and removes flexibility.
And two in five women also told Vauxhall they've gone as far as asking a friend or relative to drive them instead, to avoid post-dusk motoring.
Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards, said: 'It should be a real wake-up call that that headlight glare is now impacting confidence, comfort, and ability to spot hazards.
'Moreover, the fact that people are reducing their driving at night because they feel unsafe demonstrates it's also becoming a mobility issue.'
A quarter of drivers say they've been temporarily blinded by bright headlights
The RAC found that half of all drivers who get dazzled struggle to spot hazards or see road markings or signs as a result, while two in five can't confidently judge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles.
A quarter say they've been temporarily blinded.
The Vauxhall poll also found 63 per cent of drivers worry about being dazzled by others on the road, while 49 per cent hate the thought of being caught in bad weather in darkness, and 24 per cent are concerned about hitting animals.
And 32 per cent of drivers find themselves tensing up and gripping the steering wheel harder than usual when taking to the roads after dark.
Twenty-five per cent will drive far below the speed limit as they panic about having a prang.
Drivers want something to be done about glare
Drivers unanimously want to see something done about blinding headlights, the RAC has discovered.
Eighty-seven per cent of drivers are supportive of the Government's plan to conduct more research into the issue and the same proportion want to see how existing headlight regulations could be amended to improve the situation.
Three-quarters would like a public information campaign to help drivers understand the issue better.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: 'Headlight glare is a complicated area and there's sadly no simple 'fix' that will eradicate it.
'But for the first time ever there is now a concerted effort - both in the UK and internationally - to tackle it.
'We look forward to continuing work with the Government and our campaign partners with the aim of reducing the problem of glare in the years ahead.'
This is Money has reached out to the DfT for comment.
Beating headlight glare
IAM RoadSmart says:
- To check headlight aim, ensure lenses are clean, and replace any faulty bulbs promptly and carefully
- Consider adjusting your speed and increasing stopping distances during darker hours to account for any limited visibility
The College of Optometrists recommends:
- Drivers should always wear their prescribed glasses or contact lens for driving, including at night
- Anyone experiencing issues with their vision while driving is urged to contact their local optometrist for advice
This is Money's Freda Lewis-Stempel advises:
- Night driving glasses can be useful to reduce glare and enhance night vision. They should help to brighten up dim views too. Night driving glasses can be bought on Amazon and don't have to be expensive.
- Being dazzled by winter sun is another issue and getting your sunglasses glazed with sun and UV tint is a great way to reduce this. You can get this done just from places like Specsavers for as little as £30