A new survey from AAA finds that headlight glare is a growing concern for drivers, with six in 10 reporting it as a problem while driving at night.
Among those affected, nearly three-quarters said glare has worsened over the past decade, raising concerns about road safety and evolving vehicle lighting technology.
“Headlight glare has become a major source of frustration and concern for millions of drivers,” said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering and research at AAA. “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 92% of drivers who experience glare cite oncoming headlights as the primary cause. About one-third also reported issues with glare reflected in rearview or side mirrors.
“Driven by several factors, including new headlight technologies and taller vehicle designs, drivers are becoming frustrated with the issue of headlight glare,” Brannon said.
Additional findings showed that drivers who wear prescription glasses are more likely to experience glare, with 70% reporting issues compared to 56% of those who do not wear glasses. Female drivers reported glare more often than male drivers, while pickup truck drivers were less likely to report the problem than drivers of other vehicle types.
AAA noted that age and driver height did not have a statistically significant impact on the likelihood of experiencing glare.
At the same time, AAA reported improvements in nighttime pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems, with impact avoidance rates increasing from 0% in 2019 to 60% in 2025. Some of the improvement may be linked to advancements in headlight design and sensor visibility.
AAA is encouraging drivers to take steps to improve nighttime safety, including keeping headlights clean and properly aligned, avoiding direct eye contact with oncoming headlights and seeking professional inspections when needed.
The organization said it will continue researching headlight glare and work with industry leaders to address safety concerns.
