Should High Beams Be Used on Highways?
2 Answers
High beams must be used when driving on highways at night. Here are the relevant details: 1. The illumination distance of a car's low beams is generally only about 40 meters. If driving on a highway at night at a speed of 100 km/h, the distance traveled per second is approximately 27 meters. This means that if low beams are used, once an abnormal situation arises ahead, the reaction time left for the driver is less than two seconds, which is insufficient for the driver to detect the target and perform evasive maneuvers. High beams, on the other hand, have a much longer illumination range, reaching about 200 meters, providing ample time to react to potential risks. 2. Using high beams on highways may affect the vehicle in front, but most cars are equipped with anti-glare rearview mirrors, minimizing the impact. Additionally, it is considerate to temporarily switch to low beams when approaching another vehicle, reflecting good driving etiquette.
Having driven for so many years, using high beams on the highway is indeed a good idea, especially during late-night empty stretches, as it allows you to see farther ahead and avoid obstacles. However, I always remind myself to develop the habit of switching to low beams immediately when I see oncoming headlights or a car ahead. Otherwise, the intense glare can impair others' vision and significantly increase the risk of accidents. I’ve witnessed a few close calls caused by drivers failing to turn off their high beams. Nowadays, some new cars come with automatic switching features, but I still recommend manual control for greater reliability. On the highway, where speeds are high, managing visibility is crucial—use high beams boldly when alone, but turn them off decisively when traffic is present. This ensures both safety and efficiency on the road—don’t cut corners at everyone’s expense.
