Older drivers could be impacted by major ‘safety’ rule change heading to UK
A new study looking into the effects of headlight glare on older drivers could soon see major updates across UK roads.
Older drivers could soon face a major rule change with the Government confirming that new research into headlamp glare will soon go ahead.
Lillian Greenwood, the Minister for the Future of Roads at the Department for Transport, confirmed a new study would soon be launched.
It comes after Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Mid Buckinghamshire, asked whether they would consider looking into the “potential safety implications” of headlight glare.
Ms Greenwood, who is the Labour MP for Nottingham South, gave the green light last week.
She explained: “Yes. The government is in the process of commissioning independent research to better understand the root causes of headlamp glare and help identify potential countermeasures.”
It comes after previous concerns that older drivers could be more impacted by headlight glare than any other demographic.
A recent RAC study of 2,000 drivers found that seven percent of road users say they find headlight glare so bad that they avoid driving at night.
This figure rises to 14 percent for drivers aged 65 and over.
Moreover, the survey found that a whopping 89 percent of individuals think at least some headlights on cars are too bright.
Almost three in 10 (28 percent) of those polled say that most headlights are too bright on vehicles.
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Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesman, warned drivers have reported to have more issues related to this topic than with any other in recent times.
RAC commented: “We are delighted to see a commitment from the new Government that independent research into the issue of dazzling headlights is being commissioned, especially with darker evenings now on the way.
“We hope it leads to a better understanding of what is a complex problem, but one that is undoubtedly affecting drivers up and down the country.”
The previous RAC poll found that 81 percent of road users want more done to tackle headlight glare.
It’s a figure that rises to 87 percent among drivers aged 45 to 54.
Mike Bowen, Director of Knowledge and Research at the College of Optometrists has previously claimed elderly drivers would be more impacted by glare.
He said: “Older drivers are likely to be disproportionately affected by headlight glare, so may be more likely to experience difficulties or to decide not to drive at night at all.
“We urge the Government to commission more technical and clinical research to have a better understanding of this issue and what should be done to ease the effects of dazzling headlights.”
