Tag: Driving Safety

Why Headlight Glare Is Forcing Thousands To Stop Driving At Night

Posted on by Cheap Car Insurance

Introduction

Headlight glare – It’s official.

Britain’s roads are getting brighter — and not in a good way.

According to a shocking new report, headlight glare is now so bad that thousands of motorists are avoiding driving at night.

That’s not just annoying.

That’s dangerous.

Because driving at night should feel safe.

Instead?

Drivers are feeling stressed, unsafe, and even scared to get behind the wheel.

In fact, the data is terrifying.

Why Headlight Glare Is Becoming A UK Driving Crisis

Let’s start with the facts.

Over 25% of drivers now avoid driving at night due to headlight glare.

That’s one in four people.

Think about that.

That’s not a small problem.

That’s a national driving crisis.

Worse still?

22% of drivers wish they could avoid night driving completely — if their lifestyle allowed it.

And it gets scarier.

Nearly three in five drivers say the problem of bright headlights has got worse in the last 12 months.

For many?

The health impact is real.

People are reporting headaches, migraines, eye strain — and increased fatigue after driving in the dark.

This is not what driving should feel like.

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Who’s Suffering Most From Headlight Glare?

It’s easy to assume this is only a problem for older drivers.

But guess what?

That’s not the case.

In fact, drivers under 35 are more likely to say headlights are too bright.

That’s 41% of younger motorists struggling with glare.

Shocking, isn’t it?

Meanwhile, SUV drivers seem to suffer less.

Why?

Because SUVs sit higher on the road.

That means their eye level is above the headlight beams of oncoming cars.

But here’s the thing.

Regardless of vehicle type — most UK drivers agree that headlights are too bright.

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What’s Causing The Headlight Glare Crisis?

The problem isn’t just about how bright headlights are.

It’s about how that light hits your eyes.

Several factors are at play.

Firstly, the switch from halogen bulbs to LED and bi-xenon headlights has changed the game.

These modern headlights produce a whiter, more intense light.

Unfortunately?

That means more glare — especially in wet or misty conditions.

Secondly, headlight alignment is a huge issue.

Misaligned headlights can blast oncoming drivers directly in the eyes.

And thirdly?

More SUVs on UK roads means more high-mounted headlights.

This shines directly into lower vehicles.

What’s worse?

72% of drivers say whiter headlights (LEDs) cause more glare.

And unless manufacturers address this, the problem will keep growing.

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How Is The UK Government Responding To Headlight Glare?

Good news.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is already investigating.

They know how serious this issue is.

In fact, a new study is underway to assess glare on UK roads.

The results?

Expected in summer 2025.

This could lead to new rules on headlight brightness and alignment.

Drivers everywhere are hoping for action.

But until then?

UK motorists need to take matters into their own hands.

 

7 Proven Tips to Stay Safe When Driving at Night

Driving at night has always been challenging.

But now, with dazzling headlights increasing across UK roads, it has never been more important to take extra care.

Therefore, here are seven essential tips every driver should follow.

1. Slow Down If Visibility Drops

Firstly, reducing your speed gives you more control.

Moreover, it allows you to react safely if glare suddenly blinds you.

However, avoid braking sharply.

Instead, ease off the accelerator gradually.

2. Avoid Looking Directly At Oncoming Headlights

This might seem obvious.

Nevertheless, many drivers forget this simple rule.

Therefore, always look slightly to the left and follow the road edge.

This helps you maintain a safe position.

3. Keep Your Windscreen Spotless

After all, a dirty windscreen makes glare much worse.

Therefore, clean both the inside and outside regularly.

Even a slight haze can increase dazzle dramatically.

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4. Adjust Your Rear-View Mirror

Thankfully, many cars now feature auto-dimming mirrors.

However, if yours doesn’t?

Tilt your mirror manually to avoid being dazzled from behind.

It’s a quick fix — but highly effective.

5. Consider Anti-Glare Glasses

Some drivers benefit from specially designed lenses.

Therefore, if you often struggle with headlight glare, ask your optician for advice.

After all, protecting your vision is essential.

6. Use Low Beams Whenever Appropriate

Remember, high beams should only be used on empty roads.

Therefore, always dip your lights when other vehicles approach.

This prevents dazzling other drivers.

And safer roads benefit everyone.

7. Check Your Headlights Are Correctly Aligned

Finally, ensure your own headlights are not causing the problem.

Misaligned lights could blind other drivers.

Moreover, they reduce your visibility.

Therefore, check your headlight alignment regularly.

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Could Headlight Glare Impact Your Car Insurance?

You might not expect it.

However, headlight glare could influence your car insurance costs in the future.

After all, driving habits play a key role in how insurers calculate risk.

For example, if you drive less at night due to glare?

Some insurers may view you as a lower-risk driver.

That could work in your favour.

However, on the other hand, an increase in glare-related accidents might push premiums up overall.

Moreover, insurers may start asking more questions about your night driving habits.

Therefore, it’s essential to stay safe — and stay informed.

In fact, taking steps to avoid accidents will help protect your no-claims bonus.

And that means cheaper premiums in the long run.

Want to switch to a cheaper policy?
See our guide to switching car insurance.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, headlight glare is a growing problem on UK roads.

More drivers than ever are changing their habits.

Some avoid driving at night completely.

Others struggle with discomfort, eye strain, or fatigue.

Moreover, this growing crisis could have a real impact on your car insurance.

After all, safety and driving behaviour are key factors for insurers.

Thankfully, by following expert advice, you can reduce glare, drive safely, and protect your insurance costs.

Remember, the cheapest car insurance isn’t just about price.

It’s also about driving smart.

Driving safe.

And staying aware.

Want even more expert tips to save money on the road?

Check out our complete guide to reducing your car insurance costs.

Speeding Offences In England And Wales Hit All-Time High

Posted on by Cheap Car Insurance

Introduction

Speeding offences in England and Wales have skyrocketed, reaching record-breaking levels in 2023.

A staggering 2,324,542 speed-limit breaches were recorded last year alone, marking a 10% rise compared to the year prior.

But what does this mean for drivers? And how does it impact your car insurance premiums?

Let’s explore.

  • Record-breaking statistics: Speeding offences hit an all-time high in 2023.
  • Regional and seasonal trends: Offences peak in summer and vary by location.
  • Insurance impact: Speeding can drastically increase premiums.
  • Enforcement measures: Cameras and on-road policing play critical roles.
  • Driving responsibly: Learn how to protect your wallet and your licence.

Record-Breaking Speeding Offences 

In 2023, police forces across England and Wales documented an alarming 2,324,542 speeding offences.

This figure represents a 10% increase compared to 2022 and is the highest since comparable records began in 2011.

Interestingly, while the number of cars on the road has grown steadily, the rise in speeding offences has outpaced this growth.

What’s causing this surge?

Experts point to several factors, including increased use of speed enforcement technology and lower tolerance for speeding violations.

Speeding peaks seasonally, too. June 2023 saw a shocking 223,029 recorded offences—far more than December’s 159,179 breaches.

Drivers, take note: understanding these trends is key to avoiding penalties.

Related Read: Mandatory Speed Limiters

Regional Variations In Speeding

Did you know London’s data isn’t included in the national statistics?

The Metropolitan Police uses a separate system, but its figures tell a worrying story.

In 2023, the Met recorded 390,403 instances of speeding—up 3% from the year before and nearly triple pre-pandemic levels.

One key reason?

The reduction of speed limits across the capital has, therefore, caught many drivers off guard.

As a result, this has ultimately led to a noticeable spike in violations.

Elsewhere, regional differences reflect varying enforcement levels.

While rural areas may rely more on speed cameras, urban zones benefit from a stronger police presence.

Explore: Driving in Europe – Insurance Warning

The Impact On Car Insurance

Speeding doesn’t just affect your licence—it impacts your wallet, too.

Insurance providers view speeding violations as a major red flag.

Drivers with speeding records often face higher premiums, as they are considered higher-risk clients.

And it’s not just one or two speeding tickets that make a difference.

A consistent pattern of violations can lead to astronomical costs, even with otherwise clean records.

In 2023, speeding accounted for a staggering 86% of motoring offences that resulted in fixed penalty notices.

Among these:

  • 51% ended with driver retraining (e.g., speed awareness courses).
  • 36% led to fines.
  • 13% resulted in court action.

To avoid inflated premiums, it’s crucial to stay within legal limits.

Learn More: What Will Invalidate Your Car Insurance?

Enforcement Measures And Road Safety Technology

Speed cameras and advanced technology are reshaping how speeding is detected and penalised.

Fixed speed cameras, mobile units, and average speed checks are more prevalent than ever, leaving little room for error on the roads.

The AA’s head of roads policy, Jack Cousens, highlighted the importance of these tools in improving road safety.

But there’s a catch.

While cameras are effective, they lack the deterrent effect of visible police patrols.

Drivers tend to modify their behaviour when they see police cars on the road—a form of enforcement technology can’t replicate.

To strike a balance, experts recommend increasing on-road policing alongside the continued use of automated systems.

Ultimately, this dual approach could reduce speeding offences while ensuring safer roads for everyone.

Must-Read: The Dash Cam Mistake That Could Cost You

Seasonal And Behavioural Trends In Speeding

Why do speeding offences spike in the summer?

Longer daylight hours, better road conditions, and increased holiday travel often tempt drivers to push the speed limits.

June 2023, for instance, recorded the highest number of speeding offences, highlighting the seasonal trend.

On the other hand, winter months like December see fewer offences, likely due to adverse weather conditions making drivers more cautious.

But behavioural factors also come into play.

Many drivers underestimate how easily small distractions or overconfidence can lead to violations.

Adopting defensive driving habits, particularly during peak seasons, is a practical way to avoid trouble.

Speeding is not just about penalties—it’s about safety, for you and everyone else on the road.

Helpful Guide: Young Drivers – Risks and Ways to Save on Costs

Conclusion

The record-breaking speeding offences in England and Wales last year are a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving.

Beyond the penalties, these violations significantly impact car insurance costs, often leading to higher premiums or stricter conditions.

While enforcement measures like speed cameras and on-road policing are vital, the responsibility ultimately falls on drivers to obey speed limits and prioritise safety.

Want to explore more ways to save on car insurance? Check out these helpful guides:

 

How Cheap Sunglasses Can Invalidate Your Insurance

Posted on by Cheap Car Insurance

Introduction

Will any sunglasses do?

Driving can be tricky for UK motorists, particularly when glare from the sun reflects.

Tempting as it is to grab a cheap pair of sunglasses to block the glare, you might find yourself with more than just a clearer view.

But did you know you could be fined up to £5,000 and invalidate your insurance simply by wearing the wrong kind of sunglasses?

Let’s dive into the details.

Sunglasses – Understanding The Risks

£5,000 Fine and Penalties

Driving in the UK certainly comes with responsibilities.

For instance, according to the Highway Code, drivers absolutely must not use tinted glasses or visors if they restrict their vision.

Moreover, wearing sunglasses that are too dark or have frames that obstruct your field of vision can easily lead to fines and penalties.

Careless driving fines

  • To begin with, a £100 on-the-spot fine and up to three penalty points.
  • However, contesting in court? In that case, you could face a court-imposed driving ban and fines of up to £5,000.
  • Invalidating Your Insurance

But that’s not all…

Wearing inappropriate sunglasses doesn’t just carry a fine.

It can also invalidate your insurance.

Recent research found that some motorists have been denied insurance payouts because their vision was impaired by sunglasses that were too dark.

That means if you’re involved in an accident while wearing sunglasses that restrict your vision, your insurer could refuse to pay out.

Looking for more info on insurance options?

Check out our guide to Comprehensive vs Third-Party Car Insurance.

The Highway Code And Tinted Lenses

Under the Highway Code, Rule 237 clearly states:

“You MUST NOT use tinted glasses, lenses, or visors if they restrict your vision.”

This clearly applies to any visibility impairment, including glare from the sun.

Moreover, ignoring this rule could easily result in accusations of careless driving.

If that happens, your car insurance could be voided, and you’d be left with a hefty fine.

But wait, want to know what else can invalidate your insurance?

Check out our blog: What Will Invalidate Your Car Insurance?

Choosing the Right Sunglasses

Sunglasses Categories Explained

To clarify, sunglasses come in four categories, with each indicating how much light they filter out:

  • Category 0: 80-100% light transmission (clear lenses, not suitable for sun protection)
  • Category 1: 43-80% light transmission (lightly tinted, suitable for low-light conditions)
  • Category 2: 18-43% light transmission (medium tint, ideal for daytime driving)
  • Category 3: 8-18% light transmission (dark tint, suitable for bright sunlight)
  • Category 4: 3-8% light transmission (extremely dark tint, unsuitable for driving)

Most cheap sunglasses fall into categories 3 or 4, making them unsuitable for driving in bright conditions.

Frame Size Matters

Here’s something you might not know:

The frame size of your sunglasses also matters.

Large frames can restrict your field of vision, while tiny fashion glasses often offer too little protection.

Avoid frames that:

  • Obstruct your peripheral vision.
  • Slide down your nose frequently.
  • Are too large or too small for your face.

Lens Tint and Light Transmission

But wait, there’s more…

The level of light transmission is crucial.

Tinted lenses shouldn’t block more than 43% of light when driving.

Pro tip: For best results, stick to sunglasses in categories 1 or 2 for optimal driving visibility.

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Explore Car Insurance Options and choose a plan that suits your needs.

Don’t miss our guide to Telematics Car Insurance to save more on your premiums.

The Importance of Proper Vision Testing

When was the last time you had your vision tested?

Regular eye exams ensure your vision remains clear and your sunglasses prescription is up to date.

A few tips:

  • Get your vision checked annually, especially if you drive often.
  • Choose polarised lenses to reduce glare.
  • Consider prescription sunglasses if you wear glasses.

Day and Night Eyewear

Selecting the right sunglasses for the time of day is crucial.

  • Daytime: Use sunglasses with category 1 or 2 lenses.
  • Night: Avoid sunglasses altogether. Instead, opt for clear glasses if needed.

Here’s the thing…

Failing to wear appropriate eyewear can see you fined for careless driving, especially at night.

Avoiding Penalties And Improving Safety

Sunglasses – Know the Law

First things first:

To start with, familiarise yourself with the rules of the road, especially when it comes to eyewear.

The Highway Code is clear on this matter:

  • Rule 97: Ensure your glasses or contact lenses meet legal standards.
  • Rule 237: Do not use tinted glasses or visors that restrict your vision.

Breaking these rules could result in accusations of careless driving.

Want to know more about avoiding fines?

Read our 5 Ways to Save Money on car insurance.

Check out our Young Drivers Tips for useful advice.

Urgent Tips To Avoid Penalties

Here’s the deal:

Avoid hefty fines and invalidated insurance by following these tips.

Sunglasses Dos:

  1. First and foremost, stick to sunglasses in categories 1 or 2.
  2. Additionally, choose polarised lenses to reduce glare.
  3. Moreover, wear snug-fitting frames that don’t obstruct vision.

Sunglasses Don’ts:

  1. On the other hand, avoid sunglasses with dark tints (categories 3 and 4).
  2. Furthermore, don’t wear tinted lenses at night.
  3. Finally, steer clear of frames that obstruct your field of vision.

Need more tips on finding the best car insurance?

Check out our guide to Switch Car Insurance.

Conclusion

In summary, wearing the wrong sunglasses while driving in the UK can lead to fines of up to £5,000 and invalidate your insurance.

Here’s what to remember:

  • First and foremost, choose sunglasses that don’t obstruct your vision.
  • After that, familiarise yourself with the Highway Code rules on eyewear.
  • Avoid tinted lenses that block more than 43% of light.

Want to explore more ways to stay safe and save on car insurance?

Check out these blogs:

Stay safe on the road!

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