60% of Drivers Report Headlight Glare Issues

Recent findings reveal that a significant number of drivers are increasingly affected by headlight glare. A survey conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that 60% of drivers reported issues with glare while driving at night.

Headlight Glare Concerns Rise Among Drivers

This discomfort has intensified over the last decade, with 73% of respondents noting worsening conditions. These observations align with the rise in the use of powerful LED headlights in vehicles.

Survey Insights

Between February 5-8, 2026, AAA conducted interviews with 1,092 U.S. drivers aged 18 and older. The survey sought to represent the overall U.S. driver population accurately.

• 92% of drivers highlighted glare from oncoming headlights as their primary concern.
• 36% noted glare in their rearview or side mirrors as a significant issue.

The survey revealed that drivers wearing prescription glasses experienced more glare (70%) compared to those without glasses (56%). Additionally, only 41% of pickup truck owners reported glare issues, compared to 66% for drivers of other vehicle types. Women were affected more frequently than men, with 70% of women citing glare compared to 57% of men.

Factors Contributing to Glare

Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering and research, suggested that the rise in glare is influenced by new headlight technologies and the increasing height of vehicles on the road.

Recommendations to Reduce Glare

• Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights to minimize glare effects.
• Ensure your own headlights are functioning correctly to optimize visibility.
• Stick with original equipment headlights, as aftermarket options can exacerbate glare issues.

Aftermarket lighting often focuses on enhancing brightness without proper alignment, leading to significant glare for other drivers. Furthermore, current regulations hinder the adoption of adaptive lighting technologies that could alleviate glare. Notably, Audi’s advanced Digital Matrix LED headlights are examples of systems designed to direct light precisely, but existing federal regulations limit their use in the U.S.

Only Rivian has successfully implemented a tailored adaptive lighting system for the American market. As a result, U.S. drivers continue to struggle with headlight glare, presenting a growing concern for road safety.