WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new AAA survey released March 24, 2026, finds that six in ten drivers report headlight glare as a problem after dark, with nearly three-quarters of those affected saying the issue has worsened over the past decade. The results highlight growing safety concerns for nighttime driving across the United States, including busy routes in Southern Maryland.
“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.”
The survey indicates that glare problems continue to intensify. Seventy-three percent of drivers who experience glare say it has grown worse in the last ten years. Factors cited include newer headlight technologies and taller vehicle designs.
Most drivers who report glare point to oncoming headlights as the main cause, with 92 percent identifying them as their top concern. About one third also note issues with glare in rearview or side mirrors.
AAA’s separate testing shows progress in nighttime pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems. Impact avoidance rates rose from 0 percent in 2019 to 60 percent in 2025, partly linked to improved sensor performance from headlight designs.
Survey results also reveal differences among drivers. Those wearing prescription glasses report glare more often, at 70 percent, compared with 56 percent for those without glasses. Pickup truck drivers are less likely to experience glare, at 41 percent, than drivers of other vehicles, at 66 percent. Female drivers report glare at 70 percent, higher than the 57 percent for male drivers. Age and driver height show no statistically significant effect on glare reports.
The findings arrive as Maryland roads see steady traffic, including major corridors in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties where nighttime commuting and rural routes are common. Local drivers often travel after dark on highways and two-lane roads where oncoming traffic can create visibility challenges.
AAA encourages practical steps to reduce glare and improve nighttime safety. Drivers should keep both headlights clean, fully functional and matching the original equipment manufacturer design. When meeting oncoming vehicles, avoid looking directly at the headlights to preserve visibility. For professional service, AAA recommends visiting an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility or NAPA Auto Care Center for headlight inspections, replacements and aim adjustments.
AAA plans to continue research on headlight glare and will share recommendations with industry partners. The goal is to balance clear roadway visibility with reduced glare for all drivers.
Southern Maryland residents frequently drive at night on routes such as Maryland Route 5, U.S. Route 301 and local connectors. Officials with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration have previously reminded drivers to use low beams when approaching traffic and to stay alert during evening hours. The AAA survey adds data to those ongoing safety messages.
The national survey provides a snapshot of driver experiences that apply directly to Maryland conditions. Two-lane roads and highways rank among the most challenging settings for glare, according to AAA.