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Vauxhall Survey Links Headlight Glare to Drop in UK Night-Time Driving

A small Vauxhall-run trial indicates Intelli-Lux HD adaptive headlights reduce stress for uneasy night drivers.

Overview

  • One in 10 motorists say they are scared to drive after dark, based on Vauxhall’s survey of 2,000 UK drivers.
  • Nearly 19% report making fewer night journeys than a year ago, with many pointing to glare from modern headlights.
  • Respondents cite practical impacts such as missing social visits and taking detours, with six in ten choosing longer, better-lit routes.
  • Vauxhall’s exploratory trial had anxious night drivers complete two identical after-dark routes wearing heart-rate monitors, once with Intelli-Lux HD and once with standard LEDs.
  • Participants reported 28% higher confidence, 35% better visibility and 39% lower cognitive demand with the adaptive lights, with lower, steadier heart rates, though the company-run study was small and preliminary.