Millions of motorists have admitted that driving conditions are worse this winter compared to 2024 because of bright headlights, with experts calling for the Government to act.
New data has found that more than half of drivers who are dazzled by bright headlights (57 per cent) believe it is worse than last year, when the total was just 31 per cent.
Almost two-thirds of motorists said they are subjected to dazzle from other vehicles they can't avoid. Of these, 14 per cent said this happens regularly.
The issue has even forced some motorists to stop driving at night altogether, with road users from all age groups admitting this.
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A quarter of RAC survey respondents said they were driving less at night or had given up completely, with a further 16 per cent wishing they could drive less at night but have no choice.
Surprisingly, one-third of drivers under 35 admitted they were travelling less, with this rising to 43 per cent for elderly motorists over 75.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: "Dazzle from headlights is now a perennial problem for drivers and it's clearer than ever that they want to see something done.
"Drivers consistently tell us the height of vehicles, and the apparent colour of headlights are contributors to glare, so these are two areas we believe the Government should consider in its next stage of research."
Millions of motorists across the country continue to be impacted by bright headlights | PA/GETTYMany drivers have complained that headlights have become brighter in recent years, especially with the introduction of brighter LED bulbs that appear white.
In comparison, some drivers believe that older halogen lightbulbs, which give off a yellow hue, are not as offensive to oncoming traffic.
Mr Dennis said there was no simple "fix", although organisations around Europe and the UK were working to help minimise the issue for motorists as it becomes a growing problem.
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, said there needed to be better education for motorists and clearer standards for vehicle lighting.
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Experts warned drivers of the impact headlight glare has on UK roads | PAHe continued, saying: "It should be a real wake-up call that that headlight glare is now impacting confidence, comfort, and ability to spot hazards.
"Moreover, the fact that people are reducing their driving at night because they feel unsafe demonstrates it's also becoming a mobility issue."
Similarly, Baroness Dianne Hayter of Kentish Town emphasised that the Government had a bigger role to play in addressing the issue for motorists.
She said: "The RAC's latest research shows more than half of night drivers are being dazzled by headlights, and many are stopping driving for good.
Headlight glare can cause drivers to lose focus while travelling on roads | GETTY"So, the problem is abundantly clear. Further Government research on this is welcome, but we need action, not just studies, to ensure we don't force more people off our roads."
The Government, alongside the Transport Research Laboratory, has conducted research to see what the most common causes and impacts of headlight glare are.
The findings were passed to the Government last year, with further testing expected to be conducted in the near future, especially as Labour focuses on its Road Safety Strategy.
Denise Voon, clinical advisor at The College of Optometrists, added: "If you experience issues with your vision as a result of headlight glare, don't wait for your next regular appointment though - make an appointment with your optometrist for advice."