Blinding Headlight Glare Increasingly Frustrating Drivers, Survey Finds

AAA survey shows six in 10 drivers cite glare as a problem after dark, with nearly three-quarters believing the issue has worsened over the last decade.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:13pm

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An abstract, colorful image with sweeping, blurred lines representing the motion of a vehicle, conveying the chaos and visual disturbance of intense headlight glare on the road.Blinding headlight glare from oncoming traffic has become an increasingly frustrating issue for drivers, with new vehicle technologies contributing to the problem.Baltimore Today

A new AAA survey has found that blinding headlights from oncoming traffic have become a growing source of frustration for drivers, with six in 10 citing glare as a problem after dark and almost three-quarters believing the issue has worsened over the last 10 years. The problem is attributed to brighter lights and taller vehicles, rather than just aging eyes.

Why it matters

Headlight glare can pose a serious safety risk, making it difficult for drivers to see the road and other vehicles clearly at night. This issue affects a majority of drivers and has become increasingly problematic, raising concerns about potential accidents and the need for solutions.

The details

According to the AAA survey, the most serious challenge is on two-lane roads with oncoming traffic, though about a third of respondents also reported concerns with headlights in their rearview mirror. The problem is not due to aging eyes, but rather new vehicle technologies that produce brighter, taller headlights. While there are not many options for drivers, AAA recommends trying not to look directly into oncoming headlights and ensuring your own car's headlights are clean to improve visibility.

  • The AAA survey was conducted in 2026.

The players

Luz Ayala

A driver who finds the high beams from oncoming traffic to be too much, especially at night.

Nicole Smith

A driver who says the headlights seem too bright, almost like the high beams are on, making it hard to see while driving.

Ragina Ali

A spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic who explains the factors behind the headlight glare problem, including brighter lights and taller vehicles.

AAA

The American Automobile Association, which conducted the survey finding that six in 10 drivers cite headlight glare as a problem.

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What they’re saying

“The problem for me, especially at night, is the high beams. It's just too much.”

— Luz Ayala

“It kind of seems as though the headlights are really bright, almost as if the high beams are on. So, when I'm driving, sometimes it's hard to see.”

— Nicole Smith

“The most serious challenge for most people is on two-lane roadways with that oncoming traffic; however, about a third of those surveyed also reported concerns with the headlights behind them in the rearview mirror.”

— Ragina Ali, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman

The takeaway

This issue highlights the unintended consequences of new vehicle technologies, as brighter and taller headlights designed to improve safety are now creating a growing problem for drivers. While there are limited options for individual drivers, the survey results suggest the need for industry and regulatory solutions to address the headlight glare problem and improve nighttime visibility on the roads.