Bright Headlights Are Blinding Drivers: Here’s How to Stay Safe
Modern vehicle lighting is evolving, but many drivers still struggle with glare. Here's what you can do to improve nighttime visibility
Have you noticed that headlights from oncoming cars are getting brighter—so bright as to temporarily blind you on a darkened road? Do the higher-riding trucks and SUVs behind you hinder the use of your rearview mirror? You’re not alone.
Why headlight glare is getting worse
A new AAA survey reveals that six in 10 drivers say glare is a problem after dark, and nearly three-quarters of those affected believe it has worsened over the past decade. The findings are renewing concerns about road safety, headlight regulations and modern lighting standards.
“Headlight glare has become a major source of frustration and concern for millions of drivers,” says Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering and research at AAA. “As vehicle lighting technology evolves, so must our understanding of glare, its impact and the steps drivers can take to maintain safety.”
Granted, newer headlights give you a better view of what’s ahead. And newer vehicles are arriving with improved lighting technology. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) points out that “along with improving the visibility provided by headlights, automakers have made progress in reducing the amount of glare their headlights produce. In IIHS testing, 21% of the headlights available on 2017 models produced excessive glare. For 2025 models, this percentage dropped to just 3%.”
AAA notes that lighting technology has evolved faster than federal regulations. While Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights—which automatically dim sections of the beam to avoid blinding others—are now legal in the US, they are not yet widely available in mainstream vehicles.
What can you do to combat headlight glare?
• Avoid looking directly into the light. Fix your gaze slightly down and to the right, focusing on the white line on the side of the road.
• Adjust your rearview mirror, using the night mode to reduce glare from vehicles behind you.
• Keep your windshield and mirrors clean. Dirt, streaks and any sort of film—inside or outside—can increase the effects of glare.
• Visit a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility for professional headlight inspections, replacements and aim adjustments.
• Get your vision checked regularly by a professional
• Be considerate of other drivers, realizing that your vehicle’s headlights might be causing discomfort and reduced visibility for them. Don’t automatically use your high-beams at night.
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In the meantime, AAA will continue to research the topic and provide recommendations to the auto industry on how we can work together to balance the ability to safely see the roadway with the growing concerns around headlight glare.