As the clocks change and winter approaches, motorists are spending more time driving in the dark. A new study by MoneySuperMarket has found that around 77 per cent of drivers have been left dazzled by other motorists' headlights, with more than one in five admitting they now avoid driving at night due to the glare.
Tesla drivers most likely to be flashed
The research found that Tesla drivers are the most likely to be flashed by other vehicles for having their headlights too bright, at 50 per cent. Honda drivers follow at 37 per cent, and Fiat drivers at 29 per cent. On the other end of the scale, Vauxhall drivers are the least likely to be flashed, at 11 per cent, followed by Renault at 13 per cent and Seat at 14 per cent.
Confusion over headlight settings
The car insurance expert found that more than 14 million drivers say they are confused in certain situations about what setting their headlights should be on. As weather and road conditions vary, some motorists are unsure when to use full beam, automatic, or dipped headlights. Tesla drivers were also found to be the most likely to be confused over their vehicle's headlight settings.
Highway Code rules and advice
According to rule 110 of the Highway Code, drivers should only flash their headlights to let other road users know that they are there. It adds that headlights should not be used to "convey any other message or intimidate other road users." However, the research found that almost half of drivers have flashed another motorist to let them know their headlights are too bright.
Rule 114 of the Highway Code reads: "You must not use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders."
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: "With so many cars now running automatic or adaptive headlight systems, it's easy to assume your lights are doing the right thing for other road users when they might not be, and our research shows that over a third of drivers are confused about their own headlight settings."
She added: "If you are unsure about your headlight settings, take a few moments to check your vehicle handbook or dashboard settings before setting off in the car, rather than relying on automated settings. And if you do get dazzled by someone else, the safest thing to do is to slow down and pull over if necessary."
