BOISE – According to a new AAA survey, 60% of drivers say that headlight glare is a concern, with 73% saying that the problem has gotten worse over the past decade.

“In answer to faster speeds and busier roads, vehicle manufacturers are developing brighter headlight beams to give drivers more time to react, while other vehicle owners are installing aftermarket upgrades,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.  “But improved visibility should never come at the expense of temporarily blinding oncoming traffic.”

While 92% of Americans who experience harsh glare cite oncoming headlights as the primary cause, about a third also point to reflections in their side and rearview mirrors as being very troubling.

“Vehicles are larger and taller than ever,” Conde said.  “Elevated lights can have a profound effect.”

AAA urges vehicle manufacturers to use the survey results to find innovative ways to address safety concerns and reduce the risk of dangerous interactions, especially on two-lane roads.

Additional AAA survey findings

  • Drivers who wear prescription glasses (70%) experience more glare than those who do not (56%)
  • Pickup drivers are less likely to report glare (41%) than drivers of any other vehicle type – reinforcing the possibility that higher seat position protects their field of vision while disproportionately affecting others
  • Female drivers (70%) report a higher frequency of glare than male drivers (57%)
  • Driver height and age do not significantly influence the likelihood of experiencing glare

AAA safety tips

  • Ensure that headlight lenses are clean and that all bulbs are fully operational and consistent with manufacturer recommendations
  • Avoid looking directly at oncoming traffic to preserve night vision and enhance visibility
  • Visit a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility for professional headlight inspections and, where necessary, to adjust their aim.

“With dry roads and plenty of warm days ahead, it can be tempting to ‘outrun’ your headlights, especially if you are in a remote area,” Conde said.  “But please remember that other vehicles aren’t the only things on the road.  You may also encounter wildlife or vulnerable road users such as bicyclists and pedestrians.  Always drive at appropriate speeds.”

AAA gas prices update – a dim short-term outlook

Idaho gas prices continue to face extreme pressure based on the soaring cost of crude oil.  Today, the average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $4.21, up four cents from yesterday, 36 cents from a week ago, $1.23 from a month ago, and 94 cents from a year ago.

The national average currently sits at $3.98 and is expected to surpass the $4 mark as soon as tomorrow.  Idaho currently ranks 9th in the country for the most expensive fuel.

Amid rumors that the United States and Iran are negotiating an end to the conflict in the Middle East, the West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil has dipped slightly to $90 per barrel.  However, the global supply remains under heavy strain and could continue to fluctuate, even dramatically, over the coming days and weeks.

Today’s current price for crude is $24 higher than a month ago and $21 more than a year ago.

“We are about to make the switch to the more-expensive summer-blend fuel, and hopefully that won’t present a double-whammy on pump prices,” Conde said.  “Hopefully some of the supply side issues can ease as we gear up for demand-side pressure for gasoline.”

Here’s a look at today’s average prices from around the Gem State:

  • Boise – $4.26
  • Coeur d’Alene – $4.08
  • Franklin – $4.00
  • Idaho Falls – $4.20
  • Lewiston – $4.09
  • Pocatello – $4.24
  • Twin Falls – $4.21