ST. LOUIS – A new AAA survey highlights a growing concern among U.S. drivers: headlight glare after dark. AAA found that six in 10 drivers say glare is a problem, and nearly three-quarters of those affected believe it has worsened over the past decade, raising concerns about safety, headlight regulations, and modern lighting standards.
“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.”
Among drivers who experience glare, 73% said the problem has intensified over the past decade. Brannon attributed the trend to multiple factors.
“Driven by several factors, including new headlight technologies and taller vehicle designs, drivers are becoming frustrated with the issue of headlight glare,” Brannon said.
Most drivers who experience glare identified oncoming headlights as the primary cause, with 92% calling it their top concern. About one-third also reported glare issues in rearview or side mirrors, according to AAA.
The survey also found differences among groups of drivers. Drivers who wear prescription glasses reported glare more often, with 70% saying they experience it, compared with 56% of those who do not wear prescription glasses. Female drivers reported glare more often than male drivers, 70% compared with 57%. Pickup truck drivers were less likely to report glare, with 41% saying it is an issue, compared with 66% of drivers of other vehicle types.
AAA said age alone did not show a statistically significant impact on the likelihood of reporting glare as an issue, and driver height also did not significantly influence the likelihood of experiencing glare.
AAA also pointed to testing that showed improved nighttime pedestrian automatic emergency braking performance, with impact avoidance improving from 0% in 2019 to 60% in 2025. AAA said some of the increase could be due to improved sensor visibility related to headlight design.
