Blinded by the Light: New AAA Survey Finds 60% of South Dakota Drivers Struggle with Headlight Glare

Steve Jurrens
Mar 24
2 min read

Car headlights create glare on a snowy road. A chart and text highlight AAA's finding that 60% of South Dakota drivers face headlight glare. — AAA Survey Reveals Headlight Glare is a Major Issue for 60% of South Dakota Drivers on Two-Lane Roads.

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - If you feel like oncoming traffic is getting brighter and harder to look at, you aren’t alone. A new survey released by AAA South Dakota reveals that 6 in 10 drivers are struggling with headlight glare after dark, raising serious concerns about nighttime road safety.

The data shows that the problem is getting worse. Of the drivers who reported issues with glare, nearly 75% say the intensity has increased significantly over the last decade. Experts attribute the change to a “perfect storm” of evolving automotive trends: the rise of higher-intensity LED technology and the popularity of taller vehicles, like SUVs and lifted trucks, which sit at eye level for those in smaller cars.

“Headlight glare has become a major source of frustration and concern for millions of drivers,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering and research.

The survey highlighted several key trends regarding who is most affected:

· Vision Matters: Drivers who wear prescription glasses (70%) report much higher levels of glare than those who do not (56%).

· Vehicle Size: Perhaps unsurprisingly, pickup truck drivers—who sit higher off the road—are the least likely to report being blinded by glare (41%).

· Gender Gap: 70% of female drivers reported glare as a major issue, compared to 57% of men.

· Age and Height: Surprisingly, the survey found that a driver’s age and physical height did not significantly change how likely they were to experience glare.

While newer headlight designs are causing frustration, there is a silver lining for safety. AAA testing shows that modern lighting and sensor technology have vastly improved Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) systems. The effectiveness of avoiding nighttime pedestrian collisions has jumped from 0% in 2019 to 60% in 2025.

To stay safe on Northeast South Dakota roads tonight, AAA recommends three simple steps:

1. Do not stare: Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights; shift your gaze toward the white line on the right side of the road to maintain your lane.

2. Keep it Clean: Ensure your own headlights are clean and clear of road salt and grime, which can scatter light and cause glare for others.

3. Check Your Aim: Visit a local AAA Approved Auto Repair facility or NAPA Auto Care Center to ensure your headlights are properly aimed. Even slightly misaligned lights can blind oncoming traffic.

AAA South Dakota says they will continue to work with the automotive industry to find a balance between high-visibility lighting and the safety of oncoming motorists.