‘Blinded’: Furious debate erupts over Aussie cars

Irate Aussies are blasting new safety tech they claim is making our roads more dangerous.

If you’ve been driving recently and found yourself blinded by glaring headlights, you’re not alone.

Headlights have definitely become brighter over the years and it’s emerging as a hot topic among motorists – with some vehicles emitting light 10 times stronger than normal.

Increasingly car manufacturers are making vehicles with LED or High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights that are significantly brighter than the halogen bulbs in older cars.

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Bright headlights have become brighter over the years and it’s a hot topic among motorists.

To put this into perspective, stock halogen bulbs emit between 700 and 1,200 Lumens as you switch between low and full-beam. LED headlight bulbs emit up to 10 times this – between 6,000 and 8,000 Lumens.

A study conducted in the UK found LED vehicle headlights effect three out of four drivers, leaving them feeling “blinded” while driving.

The study also found dazzling headlights contributed to 216 collisions in 2023, up from 211 the year before.

It’s become such a major problem, the UK government has ordered an independent investigation into the issue.

BLINDED BY THE LED LIGHT

Does this means Australia should do their own investigation?

While the NRMA say there is little evidence to suggest that bright headlights have led to an increase in accidents in Australia, motorists are definitely feeling the strain more than ever before.

Many Aussies have taken to Reddit to voice their frustration on being blinded by dazzling headlights.

“Even LEDs that seem OK on a flat road can be terrible when they are coming up a rise at you,” one user wrote in a Reddit post.

“Yes. I get blinded sometimes by the people behind me. Visibility can help prevent accidents, but some of these headlights are taking the piss and more likely to cause accidents,” another user said.

“Lights are way brighter and vehicles are way too big. I drive a regular sedan and everyone’s lights are directly in my face,” another complained.

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Should Australia conduct its own review into dazzling headlights? Photos: Mark Bean.

Australian car expert Iain Curry suggests Australia should hold off on launching its own investigation until the UK government completes its findings on the issue, which is set to be finalised later this year.

“Cars in the UK are quite different to the cars we have in Australia, so I think Australia should conduct its own investigation on glaring headlights but we should wait until the UK finishes its investigation,” Mr Curry said.

The problem seems to be coming from larger vehicles. Photos: Mark Bean.

The core of the problem seems to come from higher vehicles such as SUVs and 4x4 vehicles.

Headlights on taller vehicles are positioned at a height that aligns more directly with the eyes of motorists in smaller cars, and the focused beam of LEDs can project into windshields or mirrors, intensifying glare for other drivers.

It’s also becoming easier for motorists to purchase third-party modified headlights.

LIGHTS COULD SEND A CAR OFF THE ROAD

Mr Curry warns motorists who purchase aftermarket headlights that they run the risk of rendering their vehicle unroadworthy.

“Some motorists don’t even know their vehicles isn’t roadworthy until they get it inspected for registration purposes,” Mr Curry said.

Roadworthy headlights will explicitly state ADR compliance. Photos: Mark Bean.

According to the Australian Design Rules standards, non-compliant headlights can lead to penalties and defect notices.

“Ensuring your LED headlights meet ADR standards helps you avoid legal issues and ensures your vehicle remains roadworthy,” its website states.

“Non-compliant headlights can cause glare, impairing the vision of oncoming drivers and increasing the risk of accidents”.

When choosing LED headlights, ensure to look for products that explicitly state ADR compliance.

Originally published as ‘Blinded’: Furious debate erupts over Aussie cars