Unquestionably, the new high-powered vehicle headlights fitted to today's vehicles are causing more problems for drivers blinded by glare and it is getting worse, according to research... but there are other factors at play.

Surveys by both the UK's leading breakdown services show significant safety concerns by their members on dazzling headlights. The UK government has taken notice and a report is expected by this summer.

The RAC has been surveying drivers since 2018, also asking members to estimate how long it takes them to see clearly again after getting dazzled by other drivers’ lights. For some, it can be as long as six seconds. Travelling at 50 mph, that's the equivalent to the length of 40 cars.

It is important to get to the bottom of this issue because some drivers, particularly those over 60, say they are finding it extremely difficult to carry on motoring after dark.

Granted, the latest improvements to car headlight luminosity certainly brightens up the darkest country lane and provides greater distance visibility. The problem is that such lights are much more intense and have a focused beam that the human eye reacts differently to, compared to conventional ‘yellower’ halogen bulbs.

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Undoubtedly, bright oncoming headlights can be not only distracting and infuriating but potentially dangerous. And whilst this latest high-powered LED headlight technology is seen as beneficial by the car industry, it is not without its flaws.

Today, 'automatic' headlights, far from being a luxury option, are a common feature on most new models to, according to the manufacturers, "enhance road safety".

This new high-spec level of 'intelligent lighting technology' allows headlights to dip automatically when the car's sensors pick up oncoming vehicle beams... but it can be........

© Herald Scotland