UK government is reviewing the brightness of car headlights after drivers complained they're being blinded by them

The brightness of car headlights is now under government scrutiny, with a UK review launched after drivers complained they were being blinded on the road.

Modern LED lights might make it easier to see what’s ahead, but they’re also turning night drives into a blinding light show that few are enjoying.

With thousands of motorists griping about being temporarily blinded, the Department for Transport has decided it’s time to shine a light on the problem.

The review will look into what’s causing all the glare and how to tone things down.

SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie

The brightness of car headlights is under scrutiny

For many, the nightly glare is actually scaring them from getting behind the wheel.

Choir-goers Ruth Goldsworthy and Sally Burt told BBC that they now dread their weekly rehearsals, due to the blinding beams from oncoming traffic.

“Some of the lights are so bright you’re blinded for seconds,” Goldsworthy said.

“I’m not sure where to look, I look into the gutter,” added Burt, who said she was always relieved when someone else volunteered to drive.

In fact, headlights these days are so bright that one in four drivers avoid driving at night.

Experts say part of the issue is that LED lights are much whiter and more focused than the softer, yellowish glow of old halogen bulbs.

Combine that with the high mounting position of SUV headlights, and you’ve got a recipe for glare.

Older drivers also have it worse.

While a 16-year-old’s eyes may recover from glare in a second, it can take an older drive nine times as long.

Headlights are proving to be a controversial topic

The new UK review will feed into the government’s upcoming Road Safety Strategy, which could also tighten rules around eyesight tests and illegal LED conversions.

Until then, experts recommend keeping windscreens spotless and avoiding direct eye contact with oncoming beams.

They also advise the public to steer clear of ‘night-driving’ glasses, which apparently do more harm than good.

This isn’t the first time headlights become a controversial topic.

In the US, Audi’s new LED Digital matrix headlights are illegal, even though those who witnessed them in action find it hard to see why.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie