Be Glare Aware: How To Handle Dazzling Headlights

When the clocks go back and the darker nights draw in, driving can feel a bit more challenging. Reduced daylight, wet roads, and the sharp glare from other vehicles’ headlights can all combine to make night-time journeys more stressful and potentially dangerous. 

If you’ve ever been momentarily blinded by an oncoming car’s headlights at night, you’ll know how disorienting it can be. Known as “headlight dazzle”, this temporary loss of vision is one of the most common complaints among UK motorists during winter. 

To help you stay safe on the roads, we’ve pulled together practical tips on reducing glare, maintaining visibility, and keeping your own headlights in check, so you can now drive with more confidence, even after dark.

Why dazzling headlights are a real danger

A sudden flash of brightness from oncoming traffic or a car behind can be enough to temporarily overwhelm your vision. When your eyes are exposed to intense light, your pupils contract sharply, and it can take several seconds for them to readjust, precious seconds that matter when you’re travelling at speed. 

the effects of headlight dazzle can include: 

• Temporary blindness and loss of depth perception. 
• Slower reaction times. 
• Drifting from your lane or missing hazards ahead. 

Recent research has revealed that poor visibility is one of the biggest contributing factors to nighttime road collisions, especially during the darker winter months. And, while newer LED and xenon headlights are more energy efficient, they can also appear brighter and harsher, increasing glare for oncoming drivers if not correctly aligned or legal. 

In fact, a recent RAC study revealed that 75% of drivers who claimed to be nervous about driving in the dark cited bright headlights as a cause, and 36% of drivers think most headlights are too bright. 

Find out more in another of our blogs titled, “Are Bright Headlights Legal?”.

How to stay safe when facing dazzling headlights

Thankfully, there are simple ways to reduce the impact of headlight glare when driving at night. Here are some practical tips to help you see clearly and stay in control.

Adjust your rear-view mirror

Many modern vehicles have a night or “auto-dimming” feature built into the rear-view mirror. When activated, it reduces glare from vehicles behind by automatically darkening the glass upon detecting bright lights. 

If your car has a manual mirror, look for the small tab or lever underneath; flicking it changes the angle of the mirror to reflect light away from your eyes. It’s a small adjustment that makes a big difference when driving after dark.

Keep your windscreen and windows clean

A clean windscreen is essential for night driving. Dirt, dust, and streaks can amplify glare from oncoming headlights, making it harder to focus on the road. 

Regularly clean both the inside and outside of your windscreen, as condensation and film build-up can occur on the interior glass too. Check your wiper blades for wear and replace them if they’re leaving smears, and don’t forget to top up your screenwash, as road grime tends to build up faster in winter. 

Even a thin layer of grease or dirt can turn light sources into a blinding haze, so looking after your windscreen and keeping your glass spotless is one of the simplest ways to cut down glare.

Avoid direct eye contact with oncoming beams

When faced with bright lights ahead, it’s natural to look directly at them, but doing so can make the dazzle effect worse. Instead, shift your focus slightly to the left-hand edge of the road. Use the kerb or painted line as a visual guide until the vehicle has passed. 

This technique helps you maintain your position in the lane without staring straight into the glare, reducing the strain on your eyes.

Slow down and increase following distance

Glare can reduce your visibility and reaction time, so it’s important to compensate by slowing down and leaving a larger gap between you and the vehicle in front. 

If you’re dazzled and struggling to see clearly, don’t hesitate to ease off the accelerator or pull over safely until your vision returns to normal. Even a brief loss of visibility can be dangerous at higher speeds.

Remember to check your own headlights

While dazzle is often caused by other drivers, it’s worth checking that your own headlights aren’t contributing to the problem. Poorly aligned or overly bright headlights can cause discomfort and danger for others on the road.

Make sure your headlights are correctly aligned

Over time, vibrations and bumps in the road can knock headlights out of position. Misaligned beams might point too high, dazzling oncoming drivers, or too low, reducing your own visibility. 

It’s a good idea to have your headlight alignment checked regularly, especially if you’ve replaced bulbs or been involved in a minor bump. At Kwik Fit, our technicians can check and adjust your headlights quickly to ensure they’re set to the correct level as part of our free vehicle safety check.

Clean or replace cloudy headlight covers

Over time, headlight lenses can become cloudy, yellowed, or scratched, reducing their brightness and scattering light unevenly, which increases glare for other drivers. Keeping them clean with a soft cloth and specialist cleaner can help maintain clarity, but if they remain dull or hazy, it may be time for a professional restoration or replacement to ensure your headlights perform safely and effectively.

Choose the right bulbs

While it might be tempting to upgrade to brighter bulbs for better visibility, excessively bright or incorrectly fitted bulbs can create more problems than they solve. 

Always choose bulbs that meet UK road regulations, and avoid high-intensity aftermarket bulbs that may exceed the legal brightness limit. The aim is to improve your own visibility without creating glare for others.

Extra tips for safely driving at night

Driving in the dark is more demanding on your eyes and your concentration. Alongside managing glare, here are a few additional ways to make driving at night safer and more comfortable: 

• Anti-reflective lenses: If you wear glasses, an anti-glare coating can make a noticeable difference when facing bright headlights. 
• Dim your dashboard lights: A bright instrument panel can reduce your eyes’ ability to adjust to darkness. Lowering the brightness helps you focus on the road. 
• Avoid tinted visors or sunglasses at night: These can drastically reduce visibility and make it harder to spot hazards. 
• Get your eyesight tested regularly: Sensitivity to glare often increases with age, so regular eye checks can help ensure you’re seeing clearly. 

By keeping your car and yourself in top condition, you’ll be better prepared to handle whatever the darker months bring.

See clearly, drive safely

As we’ve discussed in this article, being glare aware is all about preparation, awareness, and good car maintenance. By keeping your windscreen clean, avoiding direct eye contact with bright lights, and ensuring your headlights are properly aligned, you’ll reduce the risk of being dazzled and dazzling others, making the roads safer for everyone. 

It’s these simple, everyday habits that help motorists stay in control and confident, no matter how dark or dazzling the conditions ahead might be.

Get help with headlights at Kwik Fit

If you’re struggling with visibility at night or suspect your headlights might be misaligned, it’s best to have them checked by a professional. 

At Kwik Fit, our experienced technicians can ensure your car headlights are safe, compliant, and performing as they should as part of our free vehicle safety check. Helping you drive confidently, whether it’s a short evening commute or a long winter journey. 

Book your free vehicle safety check at your local Kwik Fit centre today. With over 600 locations across the UK, you’re never far from expert help, and you’ll be driving away with clear vision and complete peace of mind.