A new survey from AAA highlights a growing frustration for drivers across the U.S.: headlight glare. According to the findings, six in ten drivers say glare is a problem when driving at night, and nearly three-quarters of those affected believe it has worsened over the past decade.
The results are raising renewed concerns about roadway safety, evolving headlight technology, and whether current lighting standards are keeping up with modern vehicles.
“Headlight glare has become a major source of frustration and concern for millions of drivers,” said Doug Johnson. “As vehicle lighting technology evolves, so must our understanding of glare, its impact, and the steps drivers can take to maintain safety.”
The survey found that 73% of drivers who experience glare say the issue has intensified over the last ten years. Experts point to several possible causes, including brighter, newer headlight technologies and the increasing popularity of taller vehicles such as trucks and SUVs.
Oncoming headlights were identified as the biggest concern, with 92% of drivers citing them as the primary source of glare. About one-third of respondents also reported problems with glare reflected in rearview and side mirrors.
At the same time, AAA noted improvements in vehicle safety technology. Testing shows nighttime pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems have improved significantly, with impact avoidance rising from 0% in 2019 to 60% in 2025—potentially due to better visibility from modern headlights.
The survey also found certain groups are more likely to report glare issues. Drivers who wear prescription glasses reported higher rates (70%) compared to those who do not (56%). Female drivers reported glare more often than male drivers, while pickup truck drivers were less likely to report issues than drivers of other vehicle types. Age and height, however, did not appear to significantly affect glare experiences.
AAA is encouraging drivers to take steps to reduce glare and improve nighttime visibility. Recommendations include keeping headlights clean and properly aligned, avoiding direct eye contact with oncoming lights, and seeking professional inspections when needed.
Officials say increasing awareness and adapting to changing vehicle technology will be key to improving safety for drivers after dark.
AAA is simply Not being honest here. The Soft Lights Foundation is the only group taking this issue to Congress. We do not need Blinding Bright LED lights that are 10x brighter.
PS: Do not fall for the gaslighting of “headlights that are incorrectly aimed”. That is only a very small percentage.
Don’t drive much at night at all, but sometimes there is a need, and frankly it was the first sign of a change to my eyes at 22 when commuting.
I now make sure my eye prescription is done each year.
Then they should not be driving at night
Only bothers 6 outa 10?
The other 4 must be wearing welding helmets.
It’s bad enough with all the idiots who don’t realize their high beams are on but the monster trucks with the headlights already 4′ above the road are the worst.
Most of those trucks are clean & shiny too… don’t look like they’ve ever seen a dirt road.
Geez! If I had one I’d at least throw a couple hay bales in the bed & wear a plaid shirt.
Those trucks are expensive & burn a lot of gas too, machismo is expensive!
It’s fun when I see a woman driving one and trying to park at the store.
What is the median age of people completing the AAA survey, 55+?
I doubt you have younger generations spending the time to fill out surveys unless there is an incentive.
interesting….i have even experienced “tail light glare”… on some of the newer vehicles