Dr. Land of the Polaroid Corporation had a good idea a long time ago. Cross polarize the headlights and windshield (or glasses worn by the driver).

https://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/hrbbulletin/11/11-001.pdf

Wouldn't the cross polarization have the undesirable effect of making oncoming headlights too dim?

I have a related problem at night: the extremely bright flashing lights on emergency vehicles--blue, red, and white. It becomes almost impossible to see the road as well as anyone or anything on it, when one tries to go around such a vehicle stopped alongside the road.

--JMM

Wouldn't the cross polarization have the undesirable effect of making oncoming headlights too dim?

I don't think that would have been a problem. You could always make the polarizers less perfect, letting some unpolarized light through if it were.

To be effective, all or most car manufacturers would have had to adopt it, and there was no profit incentive for any one manufacturer to do so. This was before there were government mandates for car design (e.g. seatbelts, etc.)

https://medium.com/@cdixon/as-edwin-land-ultimately-recognized-the-adoption-of-his-polarized-headlight-system-was-fatally-ea37afe520a3

I too have noticed the same thing about emergency vehicle lights being so bright that they detract from safety, not improve it. I understand about first responders wanting to be sure that they are seen and not hit, but they have gone too far over the top with those damn lights.

We also have to be aware of the number of drivers who crash into emergency vehicles because of not paying attention--that is, smart phones, other devices, and impairment. There has also been recognition among the emergency services that they need to turn off some of those bright lights. So, where's the medium between getting their attention and blinding them???

Acceptable headlight alignment, focus and brightness is one of the tests in a <3-year-old vehicle's annual MoT inspection in the UK.

Those requirements vary by state here in the colonies. Some check it every year or two years with a 'normal' safety inspection, but Maryland for example, only checks it when the vehicle is first registered/tagged to the current owner, and if you buy a new car, there is no safety inspection at all. So, not surprisingly, there are a fairly high percentage of vehicles with poorly aimed headlights. When used vehicles change hands, a new safety inspection is required unless the new owner is immediate family.

In Maryland's defense though, the inspection is VERY thorough and if a vehicles passes inspection, you can be sure all the running gear, e.g. steering, suspension, brakes, tires, exhaust, emissions, glass, lights, et al are in good shape and a culminates with a road test. It will also cost you about $100 or more at most shops certified to do Maryland state inspections and you have to make an appointment because it usually takes a couple of hours. Many states that do an annual or bi-annual safety inspection just do a quick once over the tire tread, lights, horn, and send you on your way in about 10 minutes. Emissions testing is done every two years here in Maryland so you can see that the government cares more about the air than people's safety.

In Ohio I have never had an inspection like MD. Some areas require an emissions inspection; I don't know if they cover other things, because I've never had one!

I've heard more complaints in recent years from friends & family. I find some of the bright lights offensive, but I've been able to deal with them.

I think another reason that so many are experiencing this problem is the large number of people that have had vision correction surgery. I haven't had it, but I've heard people complain about 'stars', halos, etc. after corrective surgery.