Are Modern Vehicle Headlights Too Bright For Our Roads?

As modern vehicles have gotten more sophisticated, one major improvement has been the headlights of our cars. They are brighter and more complex than ever. But perhaps they are too bright now?

In recent years, there has been a growing concern among drivers and pedestrians that modern car headlights are too bright. This is a valid concern as the increasing brightness of car headlights can lead to visual discomfort, temporary blindness or even accidents. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why modern car headlights might be too bright. 

Reasons why modern car lights seem brighter 

The first reason why car headlights might be too bright is due to advancements in lighting technology. Modern cars use high-intensity discharge (HID) or light-emitting diode (LED) headlights, which are much brighter than traditional halogen headlights.

These lights are designed to illuminate the road more clearly, improve visibility, and provide a safer driving experience for the driver. However, the downside is that the increased brightness can be blinding for other drivers, especially when approaching from the opposite direction.

The second reason why car headlights might be too bright is that many drivers are installing aftermarket bulbs or upgrading to even brighter headlight systems. While this might improve the driver's visibility, it can be incredibly hazardous for other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists who may be temporarily blinded by the light.

Another factor that contributes to the increasing brightness of car headlights is the design of the vehicles themselves. Many modern cars have a higher ride height than their predecessors, which means that their headlights are positioned higher on the road. This results in a more direct and intense beam of light, which can be blinding to oncoming traffic.

The main issue with ride height is that lots of modern car drivers are using SUVs or CUVs. But in the UK in particular, many drivers still drive smaller hatchbacks. SUVs are higher up and the lights can often peer straight into the windows of lower-down hatchbacks. This blinds them as the lights shine directly into their rearview mirror.

Additionally, some car manufacturers are using automatic high-beam systems that switch on the high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. While this feature is meant to improve visibility, it can cause problems in situations where there are other vehicles around.

Lastly, the problem of excessively bright car headlights may be due to a lack of regulation. There are currently no universal regulations that limit the brightness of car headlights. This means that car manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers can produce and sell headlights with varying degrees of brightness, which can be a hazard on the road.

A growing issue that may need regulating

In conclusion, modern car headlights are indeed too bright, and it is a growing concern for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The brightness of the headlights can cause temporary blindness, visual discomfort, and even accidents on the road. To address this issue, car manufacturers, regulators, and drivers must work together to find a solution that balances safety and visibility.

This could involve implementing regulations that limit the brightness of car headlights, educating drivers about the hazards of excessively bright headlights, and designing new technologies that improve visibility without compromising safety.