Frustrated drivers highlight increasing issue of glaring car headlamps

SIBU (March 11): For many drivers as night descends on Sibu, the real hazard isn’t the darkness but the blinding glare on oncoming headlights that turn an ordinary drive into a tense test of reflexes.

From busy streets like Jalan Salim and Jalan Oya, to quiet residential lanes, motorists say they are forced to squint, slow down or even instinctively swerve to avoid beams shining as bright as a spotlight.

“Even on small rural roads outside Sibu, the glare can be blinding,” said a local, Revin Erys, 25.

He recounted how on one night, a car with super bright headlights came his way, forcing him to slow to almost a crawl.

“For a moment, I thought I might crash into the curb. It’s dangerous and frustrating,” he recounted.

Martin Ajang, 30, said he now avoids driving after 9pm unless necessary.

“There were times I couldn’t see anything for a few seconds because of those lights.

“You feel helpless—even if you are driving carefully, the glare can throw you off. Even if we take photos of it, it doesn’t look as bright on camera but to our eyes, it’s extremely bright,” he said.

Beatriscia Ringkai, 30, agreed the problem had grown worse over the past few years.

“Some cars use lights so bright they look like high beams even when they claim it is ‘normal mode’. Oncoming cars can’t help but struggle. I’ve had to pull slightly to the left many times just to avoid going blind,” she said.

These drivers say the issue isn’t just about the brightness but also about attitude, as some car owners allegedly refused to dip their lights, or modify them to shine higher and further.

Beatriscia said it felt as though some people “just enjoy showing off their lights”.

“I’ve seen oncoming cars flash them aggressively, like a challenge,” she said.

The spotlight isn’t just on frustrated drivers—parents walking children to evening tuition, motorcyclists on narrow lanes, and even elderly residents stepping out for late errands have recounted near misses caused by the blinding lights.

“It may seem minor to some, but for people driving, cycling or even walking at night, it’s a real hazard, and it’s happening everywhere—from the busiest town streets to quiet back lanes,” lamented Beatriscia.

Residents said that while authorities have acted on the issue before, the problem persists, suggesting that education and awareness are lagging behind vehicle modifications and current road culture.

While improving street lighting might help, residents agree that responsible driving and respect for others are the real solutions.