Yes — Those Headlights are Brighter!

These days we’re all being blinded by brighter-than-they-used-to-be headlights. A survey released last week by AAA finds six out of 10 drivers say headlight glare is a major problem after dark.

And 75% say it has grown worse over the last 10 years.

AAA Director of Automotive Engineering and Research Greg Brannon said the findings from the survey indicate a need for a deeper look at headlight regulations and the modern standards for headlights.

“Headlight glare has become a major source of frustration and concern for millions of drivers,” Brannon said. “As vehicle lighting technology evolves, so must our understanding of glare, its impact, and the steps drivers can take to maintain safety. Driven by several factors, including new headlight technologies and taller vehicle designs, drivers are becoming frustrated with the issue of headlight glare.”

These are the challenges brighter-than-bright headlights bring to drivers:

• Seeing what’s happening with oncoming traffic — 92%
• Side mirror glare — 36%
• Rearview mirror glare: 36%

Here’s more:

• 70% of drivers with prescription glasses experience more glare than those not wearing glasses
• 41% of people driving pickup trucks don’t have trouble with headlight glare
• 70% of women drivers complain about the glare
• 57% of men have the same complaint

Lastly, those experiencing glare have the most difficulty with:

• Two lane roads — 75%
• Highways — 50%
• Multilane roads (non-highway) — 41%
• Neighborhood roads: 39%

Source link: AAA Newsroom — https://bit.ly/3PSUPEE