Experts say US roads need better lighting despite driver complaints about bright headlights

Many drivers in the U.S. are complaining about overly bright headlights, particularly from LED lights. Advocacy groups have called for bans, and the UK is reviewing headlight glare issues. However, experts argue that U.S. roads need more illumination overall. Currently, only a small percentage of U.S. roads have overhead lighting, making headlights crucial for nighttime visibility. The maximum brightness standards for headlights in the U.S. have not changed in decades, and they are lower than those in Europe. Adaptive headlights, which can adjust brightness based on oncoming traffic, were approved for use in the U.S. in 2022 but have not yet been widely implemented. Experts are exploring ways to improve headlight technology to reduce glare while enhancing road visibility.