Driver's 'genius' dashboard hack to combat LED headlight glare on the roads

A staggering 57 per cent of are complaining that LED headlights are blindingly bright, causing them grief on the roads, according to a survey. The same percentage believe these intense beams are putting at risk.

The study by LKQ Euro Car Parts has highlighted a significant concern among drivers, with a quarter (25 per cent) reporting that such headlights severely affect their vision while behind the wheel. Despite the energy efficiency and improved visibility offered by LED lights in modern , there is growing unease about how they might compromise the safety of oncoming traffic on the road.

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The research from LKQ Euro Car Parts also indicates that nearly a third (28 per cent) of motorists would back new laws to control the use of LED headlights, with some advocating for an outright ban.

To tackle the issue of dazzling lights, experts have revealed a simple yet effective tip for night-time driving, reports .

They recommend turning down your dashboard's brightness, which can significantly aid your eyes in adjusting to the glare from approaching vehicles.

Experts advise: "A bright dashboard can make it harder for your eyes to adjust to darkness, amplifying glare from oncoming headlights."

They add: "If possible, lower the brightness of your dashboard at night to improve contrast and help your eyes adapt more easily."

Other tips to help cope with the glare include cleaning the glass on your car and keeping windows and mirrors clean.

LKQ Euro Car Parts experts advised: "Dirty windows and mirrors can worsen the glare from oncoming headlights by scattering the light as it hits the surface, so it's important to keep them clean."

They recommended using a microfibre cloth and a specialist glass cleaner to remove smears from the glass and leave windows and mirrors sparkling.

They suggested: "Misaligned mirrors can reflect bright headlights that are behind you directly into your eyes, making the glare from LED lights worse. Ensure your rear-view mirror is in 'night' or 'auto-dimming' mode if available. Adjust your side mirrors too so they reflect the road rather than direct light from other vehicles."

Regular eye tests are also recommended to address changes in vision that can make drivers more sensitive to glare. They stated: "Changes in vision, particularly as we age, can make us more sensitive to glare.

"Having regular eye tests to ensure your prescription is up to date is an important safety precaution for driving, and can also help detect conditions like cataracts, which can increase glare sensitivity."

She highlighted the potential risks associated with dazzling LED headlights, explaining: "Sudden exposure to bright headlights can cause temporary vision impairment, eye strain, and even slower reaction times. For older drivers or those with existing eye conditions, the effects can be even worse."

Further detailing the issue, she said: "In short, the intensity of LED headlights can create what's called an intraocular straylight, which blurs vision and makes it hard for eyes to focus."

The danger of this is particularly evident during nocturnal journeys, as she added: "This can be especially dangerous when driving at night as it can make it harder to see hazards on the road."

It appears that unease regarding LED lights is notably greater among those whose vehicles are not equipped with them; a clear majority (78 per cent) worry about the brightness contrasted with less than half (47 per cent) of people who own cars with LED headlights.

Yet, even among users of LED headlights, some find the glare too intrusive, leading a handful (7 per cent) to swap the bulbs out.

Age seems to factor into how severely individuals feel affected by LED glare - it's notably more problematic for over-65s, with 36 per cent reporting impaired vision, as against just 15 per cent of 18–24 year olds experiencing similar issues.

Younger drivers are more likely to react emotionally, with a third (33 per cent) of 18-24's experiencing road rage because of overly bright headlights, compared to just 2 per cent of over-65s.

The glare from LED headlights is currently being looked into by the UK government after pressure from the RAC and the Royal College of Optometrists. The findings will be reported in the summer.