By James Williams

Night driving across Pennsylvania is getting more dangerous. The biggest hazard isn’t potholes or wildlife—it’s the blinding LED and HID headlights on cars and trucks, especially when high beams are misused.

Glare is cited in 17% of PA crashes—over 18,000 accidents per year. Dozens of lives are lost, yet cars with misaligned or illegally retrofitted lights continue to pass inspection.

For people with astigmatism or light sensitivity, the effects are cruel. Halos, flares, and vision distortion make nighttime driving unbearable. Many, including the author, now avoid driving at night altogether.

Pennsylvania has the power to act:

Require headlight aim and glare checks during inspection

Ban non-DOT-approved aftermarket LED/HID kits

Limit maximum brightness and blue light emission

Approve adaptive high-beam systems that auto-dim

Launch a PennDOT awareness campaign on proper use


Until action is taken, our roads remain unsafe—especially for older adults, cyclists, and people with eye conditions.

Call your legislator. Demand a Headlight Safety and Visibility Act.
Share your story using: #FixTheLightsPA #DriveSafePA #GlareKills

No one should have to choose between safety and blindness behind the wheel.