Blinding headlights are a common problem on the street, especially at night. There are several reasons why headlights can be too bright and cause glare for other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Some of the main factors are:
- The height and alignment of the headlights. Taller vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, have higher headlights that can shine directly into the eyes of other road users. Headlights that are not properly adjusted can also point upward or sideways, creating unnecessary glare.
- The type and color of the headlights. LED headlights, which are becoming more popular on newer cars, produce a brighter and bluer light than halogen or xenon headlights. This can make them more dazzling and harder to look at, especially for older drivers who have more sensitive eyes.
- The lack of adaptive driving beam technology. Adaptive driving beam (ADB) is a feature that can automatically adjust the brightness and direction of the headlights according to the traffic situation. It can create a dimmer zone around other vehicles while keeping the rest of the road well-lit. ADB is widely used in Europe and Asia, but not in the US, due to regulatory barriers.
There are some ways to cope with blinding headlights, such as:
- Adjusting your rearview and side mirrors to avoid the reflection of the headlights behind you.
- Looking slightly to the right of the road, using the white line as a guide, when facing oncoming traffic with bright headlights.
- Wearing anti-glare glasses or lenses that can filter out some of the blue light from the headlights.
- Reporting any vehicles that have excessively bright or misaligned headlights to the authorities.
Installing LED headlights can improve your visibility at night, but they can also cause glare for other drivers if they are not properly adjusted. Here are some tips on how to install LED headlights without dazzling other drivers:
- Choose LED bulbs that are compatible with your car’s headlight housing and wiring. You can check the owner’s manual or the bulb manufacturer’s website for compatibility information.
- Follow the instructions that come with the LED bulbs on how to install them in your car. Make sure the bulbs are securely fitted and aligned with the headlight housing.
- Adjust the headlight beam angle and height according to your car’s specifications. You can use a flat wall and a level surface to check the beam pattern and make adjustments. The beam should be aimed slightly downward and to the right (or left, depending on your country’s driving side) to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.
- Test your headlights on the road at night and observe the reactions of other drivers. If you notice that they are flashing their high beams at you, or if you see excessive glare in your rearview mirror, you may need to lower or tilt your headlights further.
- If you are still having trouble with glare, you can try using anti-glare lenses or filters that attach to your headlight housing. These can help reduce the intensity and spread of the LED light.
