Nearly half of drivers flash motorists over bright headlights, despite Highway Code guidance
As the dark nights draw closer and motorists spend more time driving in the dark, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals just how much confusion is being caused on the roads because of headlights.
The car insurance expert conducted a study of over 1,200 UK motorists and found that over three quarters (77%) of drivers have been dazzled by other motorists’ headlights.
The study also reveals that more than 14 million drivers* (35%) say that they have felt confused about what setting their own headlights are on, for example, full beam, automatic or dipped.
Rule 110 of the Highway Code states that drivers “should only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there, and not to convey any other message or intimidate other road users”. However, the research reveals that almost half of drivers (48%) have flashed another motorist to let them know their headlights are too bright.
Shockingly, more than one in five drivers (22%) say they now avoid driving at night due to headlight glare, proving just how prevalent this issue is, and how unsafe it can make people feel on the road.
Tesla drivers are the most ‘flashed’ car brand
MoneySuperMarket’s study found that 34% of all drivers say they have been on the receiving end of a headlight flash, with Tesla drivers most likely to be flashed by other vehicles for having their headlights too bright (50%), followed by Honda drivers (37%) and Fiat drivers (29%).
Interestingly, Tesla drivers are also most likely to say they are confused over their vehicles’ own headlight settings (47%).
On the other hand, Vauxhall drivers were least likely to be flashed by other motorists for having their headlights too bright (11%), followed by drivers of Renault (13%) and Seat (14%) vehicles.
What does the Highway Code say?
It’s clear from the research that there is confusion and frustration on UK roads when it comes to headlights, and rule 114 of the Highway Code states: “You must not use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.”
The Highway Code also advises that in stationary queues of traffic, drivers should use their parking brakes, and once the following traffic has stopped, drivers should take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise any glare to road users behind you.
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket said: “With so many cars now running automatic or adaptive headlight systems, it’s easy to assume your lights are doing the right thing for other road users when they might not be, and our research shows that over a third of drivers are confused about their own headlight settings.
“Dazzling drivers with bright headlights is a common issue on the roads and can cause a serious accident. But there are ways to ensure you don’t dazzle anyone accidentally.
“If you are unsure about your headlight settings, take a few moments to check your vehicle handbook or dashboard settings before setting off in the car, rather than relying on automated settings. And if you do get dazzled by someone else, the safest thing to do is to slow down and pull over if necessary.”
