SPOTLIGHT'S ON
Thousands of Brits demand new driving law as nine in 10 agree on major problem & it’s ‘just getting worse’
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THOUSANDS of Brits have demanded a significant driving law change as nine in 10 agree that a major problem is "getting worse".
The RAC has thrown its backing behind the campaign to combat what it considers a serious safety hazard.
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A petition has been submitted to Parliament demanding an investigation into the brightness of LED headlights.
The devices have become increasingly popular with car manufacturers as they are often able to provide a better field of vision than traditional halogen bulbs.
However, an RAC survey found that 90% of drivers have reported issues with them, including being dazzled by oncoming motors.
The petition demands: "The Government should launch a review into the problem of some headlights causing oncoming traffic drivers to be unable to see clearly and safely.
"The review should be conducted with car manufacturers to find solutions.
"The problem has not been dealt with and I feel is getting worse.
"Nearly every driver I speak to agrees with me that it is a problem for them too."
And Rod Dennis, spokesman for the RAC, confirmed that the organisation was looking into the brightness of headlights in the UK.
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He added: "Our figures suggest drivers are more concerned than ever about headlight glare, with a huge proportion wanting to see something done about it.
"We urgently need the Government to take a closer look at the issue, ideally by commissioning an independent study to understand what’s causing an increase in reports of dazzling and, most importantly, what can do be done to keep drivers safe.
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"On the one hand, brighter headlights can be a good thing as they give drivers a clearer and safer view of the road view of the road, but that appears to come at a cost for those on the receiving end of excessively bright lights.
"Is it right we have such a high proportion of drivers who feel unsafe when they’re driving at night, with some having even given up night-time trips altogether?"
So far, the petition has attracted over 3,000 signatures, with the petition website's interactive map showing that they have flooded in from across the country.
Should it reach 10,000 signatures, the Government will be required to issue a formal response and 100,000 will see it debated in the House of Commons.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which represents car manufacturers in the UK, said: "Safety is every car maker’s top priority and providing good visibility to drivers in darkened conditions is essential.
"All headlights must meet international standards so drivers can see as clearly as possible but without dazzling other drivers.
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"Recent advances in headlight technology have improved visibility but all headlights – whether LED or not – must still be aimed correctly and checked at the MOT test.
"It’s an offence to modify your headlight aim outside of the legal limits, or fit an unapproved light source."