With darker evenings approaching, Tiger.co.uk is urging swift action to protect motorists from the glare caused by increasingly powerful LED headlights.
A new survey by the car insurance provider found 92% of drivers have been dazzled by oncoming headlights at night, while 81% say the issue has worsened in recent years. Alarmingly, 72% admitted having to slow down or stop because of glare.
What makes LED headlights a particular hazard?
LED headlights can be a dazzling hazard because they emit a brighter, more concentrated, and bluer light than older halogen bulbs.
While LED headlights offer better visibility for the driver, their intense beams can easily dazzle others, especially when misaligned or retrofitted into vehicles not designed for them. The rise in taller vehicles such as SUVs has made the issue worse, directing light directly into smaller cars’ eyelines.
With Road Safety Week fast approaching, Tiger.co.uk warns that even a few seconds of temporary blindness can stop drivers spotting hazards in time, a growing danger as nights draw in.
Road Safety Week is the UK's biggest annual road safety campaign, organised by the road safety charity Brake. It's held every year in November to raise public awareness of road safety issues, promote life-saving messages, and support families affected by road crashes. Each year's campaign focuses on a specific aspect of road safety.
Past themes have included "Let's Talk About Speed" (2023) and "After the Crash – Every road victim counts" (2024). The 2025 theme is "Safe vehicles save lives," focusing on how modern safety technology can reduce road deaths and injuries. However, it's also important to remain aware of the role drivers play in adapting to these new technologies.
The Government has commissioned a study into the problem to understand the causes and develop recommendations, including potential updates to safety standards.
Ian Wilson, Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, said:
“With the clocks going back, more people will be driving in the dark, increasing the risk of being dazzled by overly bright headlights. What used to be an annoyance has become a widespread safety concern. We support the government’s review and hope it leads to updated regulations.”
Until tougher standards are introduced, motorists are advised to dip beams early, clean headlight lenses, and check alignment regularly to help make night driving safer for everyone.