HELLA welcomes glare crackdown
Growing concern over headlight glare on UK roads has prompted the government to take a closer look at the issue, following reports that drivers are increasingly avoiding night driving due to dazzling oncoming lights.
- UK government to review vehicle and headlamp design as headlight glare increasingly affects UK drivers.
- Modern high-output headlights, especially LEDs, make correct alignment and calibration more critical than ever.
- HELLA urges garages to prioritise OE-quality bulbs and proper alignment to reduce glare and improve road safety.
Recent research on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT), conducted last winter but not yet published, will inform a new assessment of causes and potential solutions. Measures are expected to feature in the government’s upcoming Road Safety Strategy, highlighting the significance of the issue for road users.
OEM headlamp manufacturer, HELLA stresses that modern headlights, particularly LEDs, provide higher light outputs and more focused beams than traditional halogen lamps, making proper alignment more critical than ever.
“While brighter headlights improve road safety by increasing visibility, improper alignment, higher-mounted lamps on SUVs and crossovers, and the intensity of advanced lighting technologies can all contribute to driver discomfort and reduced confidence,” said Dave Clark, Lighting Product and Brand Manager at HELLA. “It’s essential to achieve the right balance between illumination and safety.”
Workshops have a key role to play in addressing headlight glare. Misalignment caused by suspension changes, vehicle load, or incorrect installation can significantly increase dazzle for other road users. HELLA recommends using OE-quality bulbs, replaced in pairs, to maintain even performance and reduce glare-related problems.
The company also highlights the growing adoption of adaptive front lighting systems, automatic headlamp dipping, and asymmetrical light distribution, which enhance visibility while reducing glare. “These systems perform best when properly calibrated, including ADAS adjustments where applicable,” added Dave.
With RAC research indicating that more than a third of drivers are now nervous about night driving and three-quarters say bright headlights are making it harder, HELLA believes that garages are well-positioned to help motorists address this growing concern.
