How to Reduce Headlight Glare for Safer Night Driving
July 7, 2026
“Beat the glare after dark.”
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Night driving presents unique challenges, from reduced visibility to the blinding glare of oncoming headlights. According to the AAA, six in ten drivers say they struggle with headlight glare, and nearly three-quarters believe the problem has worsened over the past decade. The combination of brighter LED headlights and taller SUVs and trucks has made nighttime driving more difficult, especially on two-lane roads.
Fortunately, a few simple steps can make a noticeable difference. Keep your windshield and mirrors clean to reduce light scatter, use your rearview mirror’s night setting or auto-dimming feature, and when an oncoming vehicle approaches, avoid looking directly at its headlights. Instead, focus on the white line along the right edge of the roadway, which helps maintain your lane position while reducing glare. Dimming your dashboard lights can also help your eyes stay adjusted to the dark. Finally, if glare has become a persistent problem, schedule an eye exam—conditions such as dry eyes or cataracts can increase light sensitivity, and anti-reflective coatings on prescription lenses may improve nighttime visibility.
